Staff Attorney (Legal Immigration)

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: The Staff Attorney is responsible for the following:

Requirements: SPECIAL SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE The ideal candidate will demonstrate a combination of the following required and preferred competencies to succeed in this role:

Required Qualifications: A minimum of two to three (2-3) years of experience practicing immigration law, with a demonstrated commitment to advancing the rights and protections of vulnerable populations. Strong knowledge of immigration law, legal procedures, and case strategy, particularly in humanitarian and family-based petitions. Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with clients, colleagues, and external stakeholders. Proven ability to manage a dynamic caseload independently, while balancing multiple priorities and deadlines. Demonstrated cultural competency in working with diverse populations, including LGBTQ+ individuals, low-income communities, immigrants, racial minorities, and people living with disabilities. Fluency in both English and Spanish, sufficient to meet the linguistic needs of GMHC’s client population.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience providing legal services to people living with HIV and/or experience in HIV-related legal advocacy or public health law. Familiarity with trauma-informed legal practice, including approaches that integrate sensitivity to past trauma into legal service delivery. Knowledge of interdisciplinary service models that integrate legal, medical, and social services to support holistic client care. Prior experience in HIV-related legal services, public health law, or trauma-informed legal practice. EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATION Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school. Admission to practice law in New York State. Admitted or eligible for admission to the U.S. District Court for the Southern and/or Eastern District of New York. Active registration with the New York State Office of Court Administration (OCA). Ongoing compliance with New York State Continuing Legal Education (CLE) requirements and maintenance of good standing with the NYS Bar. TECHNICAL SKILLS The ideal candidate should demonstrate the following technical competencies to effectively manage legal documentation, reporting, and service delivery: Microsoft Office and Excel Proficiency Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including: Data tracking and analysis for case management and program performance. Creating and maintaining spreadsheets to monitor client progress and service deliverables. Using formulas, pivot tables, and data validation tools to ensure documentation accuracy, Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including: Outlook for email communications, calendar coordination, and client scheduling. Word for drafting legal documentation, formal correspondence, and grant-related reporting. PowerPoint for preparing outreach, training, or public education presentations. Case Management Systems and Data Entry Experience using electronic case management and data tracking systems such as: Clio, TREAT, AWARDS, AIRS, eCOMPAS, or similar platforms used for client documentation and service delivery tracking. Accurately entering and managing data to ensure all program activities and contract deliverables are properly recorded and reportable. Familiarity with federal immigration databases and case tracking tools, including: USCIS Case Status Online. EOIR (ECAS/Portal) systems. DHS and Department of State portals related to client case status, filings, and communications. Ability to retrieve, interpret, and incorporate client status updates and government communications into legal files and case strategy. Documentation, Compliance, and Confidentiality Strong documentation skills to maintain: Clear and accurate legal records, service notes, and case plans. Timely updates in accordance with HIPAA, organizational, and funder-specific confidentiality requirements. Ability to follow established protocols to ensure: Program and audit readiness Full compliance with internal quality assurance standards and external regulatory frameworks. WORK ENVIRONMENT & SCHEDULE This is a hybrid position that includes a mix of on-site and remote responsibilities: Schedule and work location will be determined by program needs and supervisor discretion. On-site presence for client appointments, team collaboration, case conferencing, and select internal or external meetings. Travel as required for court appearances, legal proceedings, outreach, and occasional conferences or trainings. Remote work for legal writing, documentation, case preparation, and administrative responsibilities, as appropriate. Flexibility to work occasional evenings or modified hours to meet client needs, case deadlines, or agency obligations. Participation in the annual AIDS Walk New York event is mandatory for all GMHC staff. PHYSICAL DEMANDS While carrying out the responsibilities of this role: The position is primarily office-based and sedentary, involving extended periods of computer use, phone communication, and virtual conferencing. The staff member must be able to navigate a standard office environment and attend in-person meetings, court dates, or off-site events as needed. This role includes direct interaction with clients who may be experiencing medical or emotional vulnerability, requiring a high level of empathy, patience, and emotional resilience to provide trauma-informed, client-centered legal support. GMHC supports a racial and gender-diverse environment which contributes to a positive and inclusive atmosphere. Working at GMHC requires a demonstrated awareness of communities that we serve, and we seek candidates who are dedicated to promoting equity and social justice.