Serving Clients in the Second Circuit and the Eastern and Southern Districts of New York

Immigration Attorney

Job Announcement for: Immigration Specialist Attorney
Posted: March 3, 2026
Application Deadline: March 24, 2026
Salary Range: $106,689 up to $197,100, annually

Federal Defenders of New York (FDNY) is hiring an Immigration Specialist (Research & Writing) Attorney. This is a full-time, office-based position and requires travel as needed to our four offices/courthouses located in Brooklyn, Central Islip, Manhattan, and White Plains.

Our Organization

FDNY is a nonprofit, community defender organization that provides legal representation to indigent persons accused of federal crimes in the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York and in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. We are not a government agency, and our employees are not government employees. Our mission is straightforward: although we provide our services free of cost, our clients should receive the finest legal representation available at any price. A large part of our caseload involves immigration-related offenses, drugs, fraud, bank robbery, firearms, and internet-related crimes. We are looking for someone who is committed to equal justice and willing to fight vigorously for those accused of committing crimes.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Advise FDNY clients and criminal defense counsel of immigration consequences of contemplated dispositions of criminal cases; identify and help negotiate dispositions to avoid or minimize immigration impacts.

  • Assist FDNY counsel with case-theory development, motion practice, and trial for immigration-related criminal offenses.

  • Provide Padilla support to SDNY/EDNY Criminal Justice Act Panel attorneys and other Federal Defender offices.

  • In collaboration with the Director of Training and the Senior Immigration Specialist Attorney, develop training resources and materials on the intersection of federal criminal law and immigration law and issues for noncitizens in Bureau of Prisons custody.

  • By court appointment, represent indigent clients in some federal civil matters ancillary to federal criminal cases, including motions for post-conviction relief and habeas corpus petitions.

Due to funding restrictions, FDNY does not and cannot represent clients in removal proceedings or in applications or proceedings before USCIS.  This position will not provide entry-level training in immigration law. 

Qualifications & Experience

  • Demonstrates an interest in and commitment to the mission of FDNY.

  • Displays high proficiency in legal research, writing, analysis and oral advocacy.

  • Has a thorough understanding of Microsoft Systems (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), Lexis Nexis, Adobe Acrobat, and Westlaw.

  • Displays strong organizational and time management skills.

  • Demonstrates a commitment to client-centered, culturally sensitive, and compassionate advocacy.

  • Must have a minimum of three years of legal experience in immigration law, with a preference for removal defense experience involving clients with criminal justice system contacts and/or Padilla advisals. Applicants with more than three years’ experience are strongly encouraged to apply.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Demonstrates fluency or professional proficiency in Spanish and other languages.

  • Ability to work independently, as well as agile and collaboratively to support a multi-disciplinary team of colleagues including criminal defense counsel, paralegals, social workers, investigators, interns and volunteers.

  • Familiarity with specialized legal support services (e.g. litigation or appellate)

The Immigration Specialist will also visit detained clients in White Plains, northern New Jersey, Brooklyn and Long Island. Occasional travel to conferences and trainings or to visit incarcerated clients elsewhere may be required.

Benefits & Salary

The salary for this position starts at $106,689 up to $197,100. This range is consistent with the federal-pay scale guidelines and regulations. The salary is commensurate with the experience of the candidate as based within the range.

FDNY also offers excellent employer benefits, some of which include:

  • Paid Vacation & Sick Leave

  • Federal paid holidays

  • Health insurance, including medical/dental/vision

  • Group Life Insurance

  • Flexible Spending Accounts

  • Transit Subsidy Program

  • Employee Assistance Program

  • Legal training & workshops for CLE credit

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply, as FDNY is dedicated to promoting a work environment that supports and respects all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, gender identity, national origin, religion, or disability. Our office is committed to building a workplace that embraces different identities, voices, and worldviews—valuing equity and the richness of varied lived experiences.

Interested Applicants

Qualified candidates who are interested in contributing to this work are encouraged to apply by submitting a single pdf document that includes their cover letter, resume, and two writing samples via our application portal. All materials should be addressed to Tamara Giwa, Executive Director, Federal Defenders of New York, 52 Duane St., New York, NY 10007. Phone calls and emails will not be accepted. The priority application deadline is March 24, 2026. However, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Early submission is strongly encouraged.