Job Title: Temporary Immigration Staff Attorney, Special LitigationDepartment: Immigration Defense TeamLocation: NYCReports To: Managing Attorney for the Immigration DefensePosition Type: Temporary Full-timeUnion Status: Union eligibleFLSA Status: Exempt
About NDS:Neighborhood Defender Service (NDS) is a national nonprofit public defense organization that pioneered the holistic defense model more than 30 years ago. Founded in Harlem, NDS was built to challenge the traditional public defense model by centering clients, communities, and interdisciplinary advocacy. Today, NDS operates community-based offices in Harlem; the Bronx; Detroit; and HaysCounty, Texas, supported by a unified national infrastructure that allows local teams to deliver high-quality, responsive representation rooted in the communities they serve.
Across all locations, NDS provides client-centered legal representation through interdisciplinary teams composed of attorneys, investigators, social workers, client advocates, and team administrators. Our approach emphasizes early and ongoing engagement with clients—before arrest where possible, throughout the life of a case, and beyond case resolution—while addressing the legal, social, andsystemic challenges that impact long-term stability. NDS is committed to treating every client with dignity and respect and to advancing justice for individuals and communities that have been historically marginalized and over-policed.
Core Purpose of the Role:NDS’s immigration team seeks 1-year temporary Staff Attorney, Special Litigation to begin immediately. NDS specifically seeks applicants experienced in special litigation to provide support for motions to reopen/reconsider, appeals, and our habeas practice. This position will also include a small removal defense/affirmative case load for direct representation. The ideal candidate will have had experience inspecial litigation, including drafting and arguing in federal district court.
Applicants must demonstrate an interest in immigration advocacy and the holistic defense of noncitizens caught up in the criminal legal system and families facing child removal.
Responsibilities
Compensation:
Compensation is commensurate with experience and is in adherence to the NDS compensation scale. Full medical and dental benefits, as well as other benefits, are provided. The salary, benefits, and employment policies relevant to this position are governed by the CBA between NDS and the NDS Union, part of ALAA UAW 2325. The position will end one year after the start date of employment.
SALARY RANGE BASED ON DIRECTLY RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
1 – 5 Years
$84,347.74 - $94,201.77
HOW TO APPLY
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume in a single PDF through NDS’s website at neighborhood defender careers. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. Due to the volume of applicants, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. For more information about NDS, please visit our website at About NDS.
Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At NDS we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role, but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.
The Neighborhood Defender Service is committed to creating a diverse environment that reflects the community we serve. NDS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. NDS encourages people with incarcerated loved ones, formerly incarcerated people, people of color, women, queer, transgender, gender non-confirming, and gender fluid people to apply.
MinUSD $84,347.74/Yr. MaxUSD $94,201.77/Yr.Skills Required
- 1–5 years of experience representing clients in immigration proceedings and knowledge of immigration procedure
- Demonstrated commitment to criminal and immigration justice, indigent defense, racial equity, and social justice
- Ability to build relationships with people of varying identities, income levels, races, and ethnicities
- Track record of strategically guiding casework, projects, or relationships and exercising sound judgment
- Strong organizational and administrative skills to manage a high caseload
- Clear and effective oral and written communication skills
- Ability to work cooperatively in a team setting
- License to practice law in New York or another state
- Experience in special litigation, including drafting and arguing in federal district court
- Spanish language fluency
- Bilingual ability
- Admission to the New York Bar and experience in immigration court
What We Do
Neighborhood Defender Service (NDS) is a nonprofit public defense organization providing high-quality, community-based, holistic legal representation. Its multidisciplinary teams combine criminal, civil, family, immigration, and youth defense attorneys with advocates, social workers, investigators, and paralegals. Beyond the courtroom, NDS addresses related employment, schooling, housing, immigration, and family-court issues while engaging communities and advocating for policy changes that advance justice for affected communities.
