Pro Bono Supervising Attorney
Catholic Charities Community Services, Archdiocese of New York
Newburgh, NY or New York, NY
Posted by LUCIA GOYEN on 09/10/19
Summary: The Pro Bono Supervising Attorney is one of several attorneys in the Division’s pro bono program staff reporting to the Special Projects Director and collaborating with department managers. Each Pro Bono Supervising Attorney administers and coordinates various pro bono program functions, including: participation at community legal clinics; intake and assessment of cases for placement; engagement in matching process; and substantive mentorship and technical assistance for all cases under their supervision. Pro Bono Supervising Attorney will be available to train, mentor, advise and supervise pro bono volunteer advocates including: firm attorneys, general counsel, solo practitioners, law students, fellows, staff attorneys, etc.; and will maintain a caseload secondary to and dependent on supervision needs. The Pro Bono Supervising Attorney will also keep staff updated about changes in laws, procedures and policies relevant to immigrants, and will assist in developing legal strategies to address emerging issues. Also includes, as appropriate and necessary, directed advocacy, program development, program representation with public and private stakeholders, limited teaching/speaking.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:
1. Supervise and coordinate pro bono volunteer advocates through Division programming, including: fellowships, internships, clinic programs, and individual placements. Supervision includes: advising/training pro bono volunteer advocates on substantive family and immigration law and procedures; ensuring quality of legal work; ensuring case outcomes are met; and assisting with required reports and requests for information about program and funding proposals.
2. Supervises and conducts client intake; evaluates matters for purposes of issue spotting and placement; supervises placement of matters with pro bono volunteer advocates; provides ongoing supervision to pro bono volunteer advocate depending on the nature of issue and on the client; develops and updates materials for legal trainings, case placements, etc.; and manages all case placements on referral net platform;
3. Maintain a sensible, appropriate caseload, in light of and secondary to supervisory duties, that will include screening, advising, and representing individuals: a) facing removal proceedings or other immigration-related federal litigation matters, including, but not limited to: criminal or security grounds of inadmissibility/deportability, cancellation of removal, asylum, Board of Immigration Appeals and federal appeals practice, motion practice, etc., and b) in more specialized and complex immigration applications including, but not limited to: special juvenile immigrant petitions, VAWA petitions, U and T visa applications, deferred action, inadmissibility waivers, etc.;
4. Develop responses and strategies in response to emerging issues; meet regularly with pro bono program
Leadership to provide progress reports;
5. Monitor the work of pro bono volunteers through the pro bono platform, LawLogix case management, site
visits, periodic file review, etc.;
6. Develop and provide outreach trainings, presentations and workshops, as directed;
7. Comply with program reporting requirements, such as maintaining monthly statistics and case reports, and
reporting to partners and stakeholders;
8. Offer strategic planning support, development of new initiatives, and engagement with new partnerships
that complement existing pro bono services and fill an urgent need in rapid response program interventions;
9. As directed, represent CCCS at local committees, coalitions, and collaboratives; serve as a primary liaison
with local elected and law enforcement representatives, with the aim of enhancing CCCS presence and
voice;
10. Maintain and update electronic files in LawLogix, as well as physical case files;
11. Other duties as assigned.
Position Type and Expected Hours of Work:
The position will require the lawyer to perform case work at CCCS’ immigration offices, other sites, and in
immigration and family courts. The position requires willingness to travel throughout the Archdiocese. Days
and hours of work are generally 9:00 AM to 5 PM Monday - Friday. Additional evening/weekend hours may
be required to meet court and/or program deadlines or client needs.
Working conditions and physical demands required:
The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully
perform the essential functions of this job.
• Travel at least 35% of the time using public transportation or vehicle, traverse city streets,
occasionally ascend/descend stairs, and be exposed to outside weather conditions.
• Remain stationary at a work station, in court/meetings, and use a computer at least 75% of the time.
• Remain stationary and/or ambulate to instruct and monitor during trainings and presentations.
• Carry a laptop to offsite work locations.
Qualifications
Education and/or experience required:
1. Juris Doctor.
2. Four (4) years of post-JD experience in immigration law and supervisory experience.
3. Valid New York State Driver’s License.
4. Admission to the New York State bar.
Skills, Licenses, and/or competencies required:
1. Bilingual in English and a 2nd language preferred, but not required.
2. Specialization in both substantive and/or regional immigrant areas.
3. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
4. Excellent organizational and computer skills.
5. Ability to work in a fast‐paced environment with colleagues who are based city-wide and regionally.
6. Ability and experience working with diverse individuals and communities.
To apply, please send resume and cover letter to maryann.tharappel@archny.org.