Staff Attorney, Detained Immigration Program — Removal Defense

Job overview

The Staff Attorney, Detained Immigration Program — Removal Defense role is hybrid in Batavia, NY, with remote work available up to two days per week after the three-month introductory period. Salary ranges from $72,725 to $95,106 per year, based on relevant experience. The Volunteer Lawyers Project represents detained people facing deportation who lack other representation. The attorney manages an individual caseload and represents detained, low-income immigrants before immigration authorities and courts. The role also supports paralegals and social workers, reporting, and community outreach, advancing access to removal-defense representation.

What you'll do

• Represent clients before DOJ-EOIR, DHS, and BIA in removal defense
• manage an individual caseload
• collaborate with paralegals and social workers
• complete grant and data reporting
• participate in special projects and community outreach and education
• travel locally to the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility and occasionally to the Buffalo office.

What we're looking for

Skills & competencies

staff attorney

removal defense

batavia ny

hybrid

immigration law

detained immigration program

$72,725–$95,106/year

public interest law

local travel

spanish or french preferred

Work arrangement

• Weekend coverage required

Benefits & perks

• Employer-paid health insurance premiums, health reimbursement contribution, disability and life insurance, retirement contributions, employee assistance program, paid holidays and leave, flexible schedules, and eligible loan-forgiveness programs.

Why this role

Hiring for a January 4, 2027 start date or later; resume and cover letter are required. Local travel to the detention facility and occasional Buffalo office trips are required.

About the employer

Erie County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project is hiring for this role. Industry: Other Individual and Family Services. Sector: 62.