Senior Staff Attorney

The American Friends Service Committee is a Quaker religious organization that promotes lasting peace with justice, as a practical expression of faith in action. Drawing on continuing spiritual insights and working with people of many backgrounds, we nurture the seeds of change and respect for human life that transform social relations and systems.

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TITLE:                                                             Senior Staff Attorney

JOB CATEGORY:                                           Exempt (Salary)

STATUS:                                                         Full-Time

TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT:                            Specific-Term through February 28, 2027 (with possible extension depending on funding and program needs)

DIRECT SUPERVISOR:                                 Managing Attorney, Detention and Deportation Defense Initiative

REGION/UNIT:                                             US/Northeast

LOCATION:                                                   Newark, NJ USA               Hybrid

APPLICATION DEADLINE:                         July 15, 2026.

For consideration, please attach your Cover Letter and Resume to the online application in addition to answering the Application Questions.

GENERAL SUMMARY OF POSITION                                                                                                                                                               The Senior Staff Attorney will be part of the Detention and Deportation Defense Initiative, a publicly funded project that provides representation for immigrants in removal proceedings, including people in detention and people who are living in their communities. The Senior Staff Attorney is responsible for: direct legal representation; supporting staff attorneys and legal assistants in a specialized area; and participation in statewide and nationwide advocacy activities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS / RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Provide in-depth individual consultations and representation to indigent, unrepresented immigrants before the Elizabeth and Newark Immigration Courts, the Board of Immigration Appeals, and federal District Courts and Courts of Appeals (where possible).


• Provide support and mentorship to AFSC Staff Attorneys and Legal Assistants on substantive legal issues.


• Provide expertise in federal litigation and particularly habeas petitions and petitions for review before the Circuit Court of Appeals, and serve as a resource to AFSC staff for this area of law, including providing trainings and case consultations.


• Assist in the documentation of the project’s experiences and in the preparation of AFSC quarterly reports and reports to funding sources.


• 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.


• Work with AFSC’s Social Workers to meet clients’ social services’ needs.


• In collaboration with AFSC staff and other stakeholders, engage in policy and advocacy work concerning issues raised by clients and constituents.


• Conduct presentations on immigration issues.


• Respond to media inquiries about government practices where appropriate and provide information to the media to publicize the impact of policies on immigrants and their families.


• If representing detained clients, monitor conditions and access at the detention center and jails and other enforcement trends for use in reports and advocacy activities.


• Participate in AFSC staff meetings and case reviews.


• Regular attendance and punctuality are required.


• Operates safely in all conditions and follows policies and procedures.


• Other duties and projects as 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

• Law Degree is required.


• Admission to a state bar required.


• Minimum three years’ experience with immigration law and procedures required, especially removal defense, with a focus on federal litigation.


• Bilingual English/Spanish or English/French preferred.


• Excellent legal skills and understanding of movement lawyering principles.


• Strong written and oral communication skills including public speaking. 


• Ability to work 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.


• Understanding of and commitment to the principles, concerns, and considerations, of AFSC in regard to issues of race, class, nationality, religion, age, gender and sexual orientation, and disabilities. Demonstrated ability to work and communicate with diverse staff.


• Commitment to Quaker values and testimonies. Understanding of and compatibility with 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.


• Understanding of and commitment to the principles, concerns, and considerations of AFSC in regard to issues of race, class, nationality, religion, age, gender and sexual orientation, and disabilities.

 PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 COMPENSATION

The AFSC offers a competitive Total Rewards package.  This position is Salary Family: Legal Job Code Attorney 2 Minimum Starting Salary $77,000. comprehensive medical and hospitalization plan; term life, STD & LTD, defined benefit pension plan, 403b match, plus other benefits including vacation, PTO, sabbaticals, extended leaves, holidays, participation in unemployment and worker’s compensation and social security.

The American Friends Service Committee is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity within our organization. Qualified persons are encouraged to apply regardless of their religious affiliation, race, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or disability.

AFSC’s Central Office and some of its offices in the U.S. are unionized workplaces. This position is represented.

AFSC maintains a deep commitment to a mandate of care for our staff and communities.  The American Friends Service Committee is a smoke-free workplace. 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Position duties and expectations change over time.  This job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive, exclusive or exhaustive list of the job functions that an employee in this position may be asked to perform from time to time.  The employee may perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization. If there is ever a time that you are unsure what is expected of you, you are expected to meet with your manager and ask questions. If you are unsure how to perform a certain task, ask your manager before performing.