Managing Attorney, Detained Minors Project, The Door

The Door’s Legal Services Center advances the rights of youth by providing direct legal services in areas such as immigration, public benefits, family law, and housing.  Situated within the larger Door community, the Center addresses legal problems in a holistic and client-driven manner, with a particular expertise in serving immigrant youth.  The Center’s Detained Minors Project (DMP) provides direct representation, know-your-rights presentations, individual intakes, pro bono referrals, social service support and advocacy to advance justice for youth detained in Office of Refugee Resettlement custody. 

Position:

The DMP Managing Attorney will lead and manage a growing team that currently consists of six attorneys, seven paralegals, two social workers and an administrative assistant.  The DMP Managing Attorney will oversee the work of the Detained Minors Project; directly supervise senior members of the team; guide day to day operations; liaise with external stakeholders; ensure grant management and compliance; carry a very limited caseload; and work with the Center’s and The Door’s leadership teams, to further The Door’s mission.

Responsibilities:

  • Lead and manage team of staff attorneys, paralegals, social workers and administrative assistant to provide direct representation and complete intakes and KYRs for unaccompanied children (UCs) in Office of Refugee Resettlement. custody, as well as for children who are released locally, in immigration matters such as asylum, SIJS, U-Visas and T-Visas.
  • Develop and implement vision for team’s work and growth.
  • Create culture of compassion, inclusivity, collaboration and support.
  • Create and implement systems that ensure timely completion of high-quality work while emphasizing sustainability for staff.
  • Directly supervise immediate reports (weekly meetings, reviewing work product, guidance on case management, regular performance evaluations), and support those who are in turn supervising others.
  • Demonstrate deep expertise in immigration law; provide comprehensive technical assistance on detained and released removal defense to staff and external partners.
  • Represent the Legal Services Center before funders, community partners, government stakeholders and media.
  • Liaise with the Office of Refugee Resettlement, local shelters, EOIR, and USCIS to best serve UCs in their immigration proceedings.
  • Develop and strengthen relationships with stakeholders to advance the work and team and client needs.
  • Monitor trends in detention and elevate issues to funders and stakeholders as necessary.
  • Document and report service delivery to ensure compliance with all funding and other requirements.
  • Carry very limited (<5) caseload.
  • Actively participate as senior leader within both the Legal Services Center and The Door.
  • Advance The Door’s mission of holistic youth development.
  • Other responsibilities as assigned by Director.

Qualifications:

  • J.D. degree and admission to New York State Bar (or willingness to sit for next scheduled exam).
  • At least 5 years of experience in immigration law, including removal defense, SIJS, asylum, U and T visas.
  • At least 2 years experience supervising legal staff, including attorneys and paralegals
  • Experience working in a detained setting preferred.
  • Federal practice experience preferred.
  • Demonstrated dedication to immigration legal services and racial justice.
  • Interest in a comprehensive approach to meeting the needs of young people.
  • Creative thinker with superior communication skills.
  • Excellent organizational skills, time management and record keeping skills, including the ability to work independently, assess priorities, take initiative, handle multiple assignments and meet deadlines.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to work collaboratively and to effectively interact with young people, management and program staff.
  • Professional proficiency in Spanish preferred.

How to Apply:

Submit cover letter and resume to APPLY