Temporary Staff Attorney, NYC

Safe Passage Project (SPP) is a highly-focused nonprofit immigration legal services organization that provides free lawyers to immigrant children facing deportation. Founded in 2013, SPP has grown to include 60+ employees, two offices, and an annual budget of over $10 million. It manages over 1,600 open cases a year.

To date, SPP has supported more than 3,000 young people in NYC and Long Island. The New York Immigration Courts, some of the busiest immigration courts in the U.S., have more than 15,000 juveniles on their dockets, many of whom are fleeing trauma in their countries of origin such as gang violence and recruitment, abuse, and sexual assault. Immigrant children are not afforded free legal representation by the government, regardless of their age. As a result, more than half of immigrant children in immigration proceedings must go to court without the aid of a lawyer. Among unaccompanied children with legal representation, immigration court data shows that 90% are allowed to remain in the United States, whereas only 15% of unrepresented children are allowed to stay. This is where Safe Passage Project steps in, both through providing immigrant youth with direct representation by staff attorneys and through a robust network of pro bono attorneys who SPP attorneys train, mentor, and supervise.

Safe Passage Project is looking for a Temporary Staff Attorney to work with us from October 2026 through March 2027.

The Temporary Staff Attorney will be joining a group of exceptional public interest attorneys to directly impact the lives of immigrant children looking for safety and security. The Temporary Staff Attorney will directly represent children in immigration and other related proceedings, including cases involving asylum, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, and other forms of immigration relief. The Temporary Staff Attorney will also guide pro bono attorneys through Family Court and Immigration Court proceedings, and through representation at the Asylum Office. This position will be based in our NYC office.

● Provide direct representation to Safe Passage Project clients

● Supervise and mentor pro bono attorneys with the Safe Passage Project.

● Screen immigrant children and assist in the organization of the Safe Passage Project’s legal screenings.

● Provide detailed reporting statistics on each case mentored and represented directly.

The strongest candidates for this position will have most, though likely not all, of the following qualifications and characteristics:

● J.D. degree and admission to a state bar (required); admission to the New York State Bar
(preferred);

● At least two (2) years of family law or immigration law experience

● Excellent written, analytical, oral, organizational, and time management skills

● Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively on an interdisciplinary team in a fast-paced, high-intensity environment

● Fluency in Spanish

● An understanding of how to work with vulnerable populations using trauma-centered practices or willingness to learn and incorporate such practices in your work

● A demonstrated ability to understand, communicate with, and effectively interact with people across cultures, as well as sensitivity to and knowledge of the various dimensions of diversity, including gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, and socioeconomic status

● A commitment to the work of Safe Passage Project and readiness to grow and learn with the Safe Passage Project team

○ Hybrid work environment: Staff currently work from the office one day per week

○ Flexible work schedules to support work-life balance

○ Open Paid Time Off

○ Additional Work From Home time: up to 4 weeks annually

○ Office closure: December 24 through January 1 (in addition to Paid Holidays)

○ Home office stipend

○ Technology and equipment support for remote and hybrid work

○ Medical plans, including an option with 100 percent employer-covered premiums

○ Dental and vision plans and access to telehealth services

○ Mental health and wellness resources through our health plans

○ Short-term and long-term disability coverage

○ Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts

○ Commuter benefits for transit and parking

○ Health Advocate services to support employees and covered family members in navigating care and insurance

○ Retirement savings plan: up to a 6 percent employer match on 401(k) contributions

○ Pre-tax benefit options, including commuter and health accounts

○ Public Service Loan Forgiveness: Safe Passage Project is a qualified employer under the federal PSLF program. Staff with eligible federal loans may qualify for loan forgiveness after 120 qualifying payments, and we can provide employment verification and required documentation to support the process

○ 12 weeks of Paid Family Leave for eligible employees

○ Additional unpaid leave options in alignment with organizational policies

○ Paid holidays throughout the year

○ Bereavement leave

○ Annual professional development stipend

○ Access to trainings, conferences, and skill-building opportunities

○ Access to Practising Law Institute (PLI) resources and training for ongoing legal education and professional development

The team works on a beautiful campus at a terrific office location in Tribeca, and in our Long Island office in Nassau County, NY (near LIRR).

All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship for a work visa or permit. We are currently unable to sponsor employment visas or permits.

Safe Passage Project is an equal-opportunity employer. Women, people of color, LGBTQ people, veterans, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

For more information on Safe Passage Project, please visit www.safepassageproject.org.