Join the Fight for Justice: Coordinating Staff Attorney, Pro Bono Immigration Program at The Legal Project

Transform Lives. Empower Immigrants. Lead Pro Bono.

Do you believe the protections of the law should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay? Are passionate about pro bono commitments within the legal profession and looking for a way to help other attorneys give back? Do you enjoy mentoring others and expanding the services available to immigrants and refugees?

The Legal Project is not just a law firm; we are a dynamic, innovative civil legal services organization dedicated to closing the access to justice gap in New York's Capital Region. From our origins as a small volunteer effort in 1995, we've grown into a powerhouse addressing critical needs—including domestic violence, foreclosure prevention, veterans' assistance, and, crucially, Immigration Services.

We are seeking a Coordinating Attorney to be the driving force behind our Pro Bono Immigration Program, leveraging the passion of volunteer attorneys to protect the most marginalized in our communities.

Your Mission: Lead, Mentor, and Advocate

This is a high-impact, hybrid role where you will be instrumental in expanding free civil legal services for immigrants.

Key Responsibilities:

• Be a Legal Strategist: Conduct thorough consultations to assess immigration clients for pathways to relief, specializing in humanitarian and family-based remedies (Asylum, TPS, SIJS, U/T Visas, VAWA, Removal Defense).
• Mentor and Mobilize: Serve as the primary legal resource, providing training, technical assistance, and expert backup to a dedicated corps of pro bono attorney volunteers. Your guidance will empower them to successfully manage complex immigration cases.
• Recruit and Grow: Actively engage in recruitment and outreach to expand our network of pro bono attorneys, law students, and non-attorney volunteers.
• Direct Representation: Provide direct, life-changing representation to clients before the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) for deportation and removal defense, and before USCIS and state courts for SIJS petitions.
• Collaborate and Innovate: Work within a specialized team to develop cutting-edge CLEs, practice guides, and outreach materials, ensuring The Legal Project stays at the forefront of immigration law.
• Ensure Impact: Maintain impeccable case records and collaborate on grant reporting, ensuring our vital programs remain funded and accountable.

What You Bring to the Table

You are an attorney with a deep passion for social justice, a talent for complex litigation, and a proven ability to lead and mentor.

Required Qualifications:

• J.D. Degree and an Active License to practice law by any U.S. state bar association and in good standing. (NY State Bar preferred).
• 3+ Years of Legal Experience with demonstrated expertise in Immigration Law and/or relevant fields such as Family Law.
• Exceptional research, writing, and courtroom advocacy skills, with proven strong attention to detail.
• Strong organizational and administrative abilities necessary to manage a high-volume, high-stakes caseload and volunteer network.
• Reliable transportation and willingness to travel for court appearances (including to Batavia, NY, and New York City).
• A firm commitment to the mission and vision of The Legal Project.

Preferred (But Not Required) Assets:

• Fluency in a language in addition to English is strongly preferred—especially Spanish.
• Experience with trauma-informed lawyering and working with survivors of domestic violence or other underserved communities.
• Experience in a case management system (e.g., Legal Server).

Compensation & Benefits: Invest in Your Well-being

We invest in our staff because they are the heart of our mission.

• Salary Range: $75,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance; HSA/FSA; Life Insurance; 401(k), optional additional insurance including pet insurance, home insurance, and renter’s insurance among others.
• Work-Life Balance: Generous Paid Time Off, Holiday Time Off, Employee Wellness Reimbursement, Professional Development Assistance.
• Flexible Schedule: Monday to Friday with flexible scheduling and occasional weekend availability.
• Hybrid Work Environment: Based in Schenectady, NY, with a flexible hybrid work model. Remote work may be considered for highly qualified candidates based closer to the Batavia or NYC immigration court locations.

Our Commitment to Diversity

The Legal Project, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We are dedicated to building a team that reflects the rich diversity of the communities we serve. We strongly encourage applications from individuals who are members of marginalized communities, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with disabilities or veteran status.

Ready to use your legal expertise to advance safety, stability, and independence?

Apply now! Applications will be reviewed upon receipt, and the position is open until filled. Please submit a resume, writing sample, and statement of interest or cover letter.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $75,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Loan forgiveness
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Application Question(s):

• Are you admitted to practice law in the United States?
• Do you have experience with practicing law in Immigration Court?

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Schenectady, NY 12305