The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to humanitarian crises worldwide and is seeking a NY Children’s Attorney for its Children’s Legal Services program. The attorney will provide legal services to unaccompanied children, conduct eligibility determinations, and represent clients in various legal proceedings.
Responsibilities
- Conduct intakes with child clients, identify relief, and provide direct representation for unaccompanied children released to sponsors in the five NYC counties, Orange County in the Lower Hudson Valley, and Suffolk County in Long Island
- Handle moderate to heavy caseload of children’s cases before the Immigration Court and USCIS
- Initiate and represent children in state court proceedings for children who are eligible for Special Immigrant Juvenile classification, including custody and guardianship
- Prepare, file, monitor, and represent child clients with applications for immigration relief including, but not limited to, applications for Special Immigrant Juvenile Classification, asylum, U “Crime Victim” visas, and T “Trafficking Victim” visas
- Represent child clients before the Immigration Court in New York, NY, including attending Master Calendar and Merits Hearings; filing motions, notices of appearance, change of address forms, and briefings; and communicating with the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Chief Counsel regarding clients’ matters before the Court
- Coordinate closely within IRC’s multidisciplinary teams to identify needs and facilitate referrals to social services offered in-house and through partnerships with external providers
- Ensure client and program data is collected and recorded consistently, managed appropriately, and reported accurately in accordance with program reporting requirements set by IRC
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge and expertise of changing asylum and immigration policies as they relate to unaccompanied children through regular trainings and peer-to-peer consultation
- Serve as a strong advocate for humanitarian immigrants
Skills
- Law degree (JD or LLM) from an ABA-accredited U.S. institution and admission to the New York bar, required
- At least one year experience providing direct representation in Immigration Court and/or before USCIS to asylum applicants and other immigrants seeking humanitarian relief; law school graduates with clinical legal experience may be considered
- Excellent legal research, writing, analytical, and organizational skills
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally in a courtroom setting and in writing
- Deep commitment to immigrant rights and working with humanitarian immigrants
- Trauma-informed and sensitive listening and communication skills
- Personal integrity in handling ethically complex and confidential situations
- Evidence of capacity to be a strong team member in a highly collaborative and fast-paced multidisciplinary environment
- Commitment to anti-racism and ongoing learning
- Strong computer literacy, research and analysis skills
- Must have a valid driver's license, reliable vehicle, active insurance policy and ability to travel frequently in and around the service area to attend hearings and interviews and engage with clients and community partners. Travel expenses are reimbursable
- Fluency in Spanish/English preferred
- Experience providing legal services to children and/or working with children preferred
- Lived experience with the immigration legal system highly desired, but not required
Benefits
- 10 sick days
- 10 US holidays
- 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure
- Medical insurance starting at $143 per month
- Dental starting at $6.50 per month
- Vision starting at $5 per month
- FSA for healthcare and commuter costs
- A 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching
- Disability & life insurance
- An Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles
Company Overview
IRC responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises & helps some of the most vulnerable people from harm to home. It was founded in 1933, and is headquartered in New York, New York, USA, with a workforce of 10001+ employees. Its website is http://www.rescue.org/.Company H1B Sponsorship
International Rescue Committee has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships, with 15 in 2025, 13 in 2024, 20 in 2023, 17 in 2022, 13 in 2021, 9 in 2020. Please note that this does not guarantee sponsorship for this specific role.
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