Supervising Attorney, Detention and Deportation Defense Initiative

GENERAL SUMMARY OF POSITION
The Supervising Attorney will be part of AFSC Detention and Deportation Defense Initiative, a publicly funded project that provides representation for immigrants who are detained or are facing removal. The Supervising Attorney is responsible for: direct legal representation; mentoring and supervising staff attorneys, senior staff attorneys and legal assistants; and participation in statewide and nationwide advocacy activities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS / RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

Provide in-depth individual consultations and representation to low income, unrepresented immigrant detainees before the Elizabeth, Newark, and other Immigration Courts, the Board of Immigration Appeals, and federal District Courts and Courts of Appeals.
Provide training, supervision, and support to AFSC Staff Attorneys, Senior Staff Attorneys, and Legal Assistants on substantive legal issues. Ensure quality legal service provision and staff development.
Manage caseload and maintain client files in good order, including applications, letters, supporting documentation, and follow up work. Maintain client and case information in AFSC case management systems.
Participate in meetings with Department of Homeland Security representatives, jail staff and service providers.
Monitor conditions and access at the detention centers and jails and other enforcement trends Compile quarterly narrative and statistical reports regarding case consultation and case representation. Assist in the documentation of DDDI’s experiences and in the preparation of AFSC quarterly reports and reports to funding sources.
Conduct presentations on immigration and detention issues.
Respond to the media to publicize government practices and policies and their impact on immigrants and their families.
Participate in AFSC staff meetings and case reviews.
Provide administrative support as needed.
Regular attendance and punctuality are required.
Operates safely in all conditions and follows policies and procedures.
Other duties and projects assigned.
SUPERVISORY / MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS
Directly or indirectly supervises employees. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include training and engaging employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

Education: A Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school and admission to a state bar is required.
Experience: Minimum five years’ experience with immigration law and procedures required, especially removal defense.
A minimum of one year of supervisory experience is required.
Excellent legal skills and understanding of movement lawyering principles.
Bilingual English/Spanish or English/French is preferred .
Strong written and oral communication skills including public speaking.
Self-motivated, detail oriented, well-organized, and able to prioritize assignments and workload.
Ability to communicate effectively and build mutually respectful relationships with co-workers, clients, the public and donors.
Familiarity with software applications in a Windows and cloud-based environment.
Ability to work in the evenings and/or weekends and to travel, as
Ability to work effectively independently and within a team environment.
Experience with standard Microsoft Office and related technology.
Must be capable of working under tight time constraints in a high-volume environment with multiple priorities.
Demonstrated ability to work and communicate with diverse staff.
Respect for Quaker values and testimonies. Knowledgeable and supportive of the principles and philosophy of the American Friends Service Committee including non-violence and the belief in the intrinsic worth of every individual.
Respect for and sensitivity to cultural, ethnic, racial, gender and religious diversity and familiarity with non-violent approaches to problem solving.
Ability to organize, plan ahead and prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
Demonstrated dedication to the principles of fairness, equity and inclusion in regard to issues of race, class, nationality, religion, age, gender and sexual orientation, and disabilities.