Columbia Law School seeks a lawyer with experience in immigration law to join Morningside Heights Legal Services, Inc., beginning on October 1, 2026. Morningside Heights Legal Services, Inc. is the nonprofit law firm that houses Columbia Law School’s clinical program. This is an initial one-year appointment, with the possibility of renewal through June 20, 2028. The staff attorney will support members of the Columbia community whose immigration status is at risk. The staff attorney will be responsible for conducting individualized legal consultations and representation, as well as outreach and Know-Your-Rights (KYR) presentations, for Columbia community members who have concerns about their immigration status. The staff attorney will provide rapid response representation, including deportation defense and the filing of federal lawsuits as needed.
As a staff attorney, responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
- Conducting intake interviews for Columbia community members (10%);
- Representing Columbia community members before administrative agencies, tribunals and federal courts, on a range of immigration-related issues, including but not limited to (60%):
- Advocacy with CBP concerning international travel;
- Waivers filed with the State Department and U.S. consulates;
- Applications for bond and representation in removal proceedings;
- Stays of removal and parole requests with ICE;
- Habeas and mandamus petitions, temporary restraining orders, among other district court filings;
- Petitions and applications before USCIS and EOIR, including adjustment of status and asylum and other humanitarian protections;
- Liaising with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and other government agencies, as necessary;
- Drafting and keeping FAQ and KYR documents up-to-date for Columbia community members (10%);
- Hosting KYR trainings and presenting at community events (10%);
- Covering an on-call emergency line (5%); and
- Attending meetings in the community, including with local immigration coalitions (5%).
The staff attorney will hold the University title of Associate Research Scholar. This is a non-tenure track position and does not teach.
Minimum Degree Required:
J.D. or equivalent legal degree
Minimum Qualifications:
Applicants for the Staff Attorney position should have a minimum of three years of relevant professional experience. This experience may include but is not limited to working with asylum seekers; individuals seeking Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, Temporary Protected Status, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals; family, student, or employment visas; naturalization applications; and/or related direct legal services or advocacy efforts on behalf of immigrant communities. Admission to a state bar and a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with others are necessary.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Excellent interpersonal, administrative, and organization skills.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Demonstrated success in a collaborative, fast-paced work environment.
- Experience engaging with CBP, ICE, USCIS, EOIR, and in district court litigation is an asset.
- Comfortable with and interested in conducting Know Your Rights trainings and community presentations.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently.
Prior experience working in an interdisciplinary team preferred.
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instructions
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Applicants should submit: (a) a letter of interest, describing your qualifications and interest in the position (Cover Letter); and (b) a curriculum vitae.
Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran
Pay Transparency Disclosure
The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
