[Hiring] Federal Court Staff Attorney - Immigration Impact Unit @Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Role Description

The Immigration Impact Unit of the Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS), the public defender agency of Massachusetts, is hiring a staff attorney to focus on federal court litigation as part of the Massachusetts Access to Counsel Initiative (MACI). This Staff Attorney will represent MACI clients primarily in federal habeas petitions, petitions for review, and other federal court proceedings.

We fight for equal justice and human dignity by supporting our clients in achieving their legal and life goals. We zealously advocate for the rights of individuals and promote just public policy to protect the rights of all.

Qualifications

• Commitment to working with a culturally diverse, low-income population
• A demonstrated commitment to the principle of zealous advocacy in the representation of indigent persons
• Previous immigration practice before Federal Court strongly preferred
• Relevant clinical program, internship, or work experience strongly preferred
• Strong case management, legal research, and legal writing skills
• Creative, flexible, and highly motivated
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively and manage a difficult area of practice
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work under pressure
• Interpersonal and communication skills that enable healthy and productive working relationships
• Ability to perform duties with the highest regard for confidentiality, integrity, and respect
• Proficiency in additional language(s) other than English preferred, with strong preference given to Spanish, Haitian Creole, and Portuguese

Requirements

• Must be eligible to practice law either as a member of the Massachusetts bar in good standing or as a member in good standing of the bar of another jurisdiction and be qualified to practice federal immigration law
• Access to an automobile in order to travel to courts, clients, and detention centers that are not easily accessible by public transportation
• Access to home internet access sufficient to work remotely

Responsibilities

• Providing high quality, client-centered representation for detained and non-detained noncitizens in Federal Court
• At times, representing non-detained clients released on bond
• Engaging in affirmative litigation
• Working collaboratively with other organizations, pro bono lawyers, and partners
• Maintaining a full caseload of clients
• Maintaining, organizing, and updating case files and case management database
• Participating in ongoing training provided through MACI
• Participating in regularly scheduled MACI team meetings to discuss individual cases, systemic concerns, and other topics as determined by supervisors
• Participating in regular supervision meetings
• Other duties as assigned

EEO Statement

The Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, disability, religion, age, veteran or military status, genetic information, gender identity, or sexual orientation as required by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other applicable federal and state statutes and organizational policies. Applicants who have questions about equal employment opportunity or who need reasonable accommodations can contact the Chief Human Resources Officer, Sandra DeBow-Huang, at [email protected].