Staff Attorney: Detained Immigration Program – Removal Defense

About the role

The Erie County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project (VLP) is seeking one full‑time Staff Attorney for its Immigration Program in the Batavia, NY office. The role works under the Office of New Americans (ONA) State contract at the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility, representing detained individuals facing deportation who lack representation. The position is based in Batavia with a hybrid remote/in‑office schedule available after a 3‑month introductory period. The office promotes work/life balance, reasonable hours, and discourages weekend work, offering generous PTO and benefits. The anticipated start date is January 4, 2027 (or later).

Responsibilities

• Handle individual caseload and represent clients before DOJ‑EOIR, DHS, and BIA defending detained low‑income immigrants who are subject to removal for a variety of reasons including criminal convictions, unlawful entry and visa overstays
• Work collaboratively with Paralegals and Social Workers and act as an additional resource to them
• Grant/data reporting
• Special projects/community outreach and education as directed
• Local travel to and from the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility is required as well as occasional trips to the Buffalo office
• Valid driver's license and regular access to a reliable vehicle are required
• Other duties may be assigned

Requirements

• Admitted to practice law (or pending bar admission)
• Organizational skills to juggle many cases efficiently while also being able to track and report required data about the work in a timely and accurate manner
• Ability to work cooperatively with fellow staff and supervisors while also being able to work independently
• Strong oral and written advocacy skills
• Legal research software proficiency
• The desire to pursue a career in litigation defending detained low‑income immigrants

Skills

• Fluency in Spanish or French (preferred)
• One year of litigation experience, preferably in immigration removal proceedings (preferred)
• Candidates without prior experience but with the desire and/or language skills are encouraged to apply

Benefits

• Employer‑paid benefits: 90% paid health insurance premiums, company contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement account, short‑ and long‑term disability insurance, life/AD&D insurance, retirement contributions, Employee Assistance Program
• Additional benefits available via pre‑tax employee contributions: Dental insurance, Vision insurance, FSA, Dependent Care FSA, transportation account, 403b plan
• Loan forgiveness eligibility: Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and District Attorney and Indigent Legal Services Attorney Loan Forgiveness (DALF) programs
• 18 paid holidays (including Dec 24–Jan 1)
• Vacation: 11 days + 2 personal days in year 1; 15 days + 4 personal days in year 2 (vacation caps at 23 days starting in year 6)
• Sick leave: 10 days per year (5 frontloaded, 5 accrued)
• 2 “Sunshine Days” (bonus PTO) usable between Memorial Day and Labor Day (prorated in first year if start date is after Memorial Day)
• Respectful work environment with true work/life balance
• Dedication to diversity and inclusion

Pay

Salary range: $72,725.00 (Year 1) to $95,106.00 (Year