Staff Attorney: Immigration Program – Removal Defense

This position is a HYBRID role in Batavia, NY. It is fully onsite in Batavia, NY for the first 90 days, after which it requires a minimum of 3 days in office weekly and up to 2 days remote work (within 2 hours of Batavia). Local travel is required. This role is part of the Erie County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project (VLP) under the Office of New Americans (ONA) State contract and is located at the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility.

It is a public defender model program representing detained immigrants facing removal. The office culture values work/life balance, reasonable hours, and discourages weekend work. Generous PTO and benefits are offered.

• Handle individual caseload and represent clients before DOJ-EOIR, DHS, and BIA defending detained low‑income immigrants facing various removal grounds such as criminal convictions, unlawful entry, and visa overstays.
• Work collaboratively with Paralegals and Social Workers, acting as an additional resource.
• Manage grant and data reporting.
• Lead special projects, community outreach, and education as directed.
• Travel to the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility and occasional trips to the Buffalo office; must possess a valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle.
• Other duties may be assigned.

• Admitted to practice law (or pending bar admission).
• Organizational skills to juggle many cases efficiently while tracking and reporting required data about the work in a timely and accurate manner.
• Ability to work cooperatively with staff and supervisors while working independently.
• Strong oral and written advocacy skills.
• Proficiency with legal research software.
• The desire for a career in litigation defending detained low‑income immigrants.

• Fluency in Spanish or French.
• One year experience in litigation, preferably in immigration removal proceedings.

• Salary range: $69,725 (Year 1) to $92,106.36 (Year 9) based on relevant experience.
• Yearly raises according to published wage/step scales.
• Employer‑paid benefits: 90% health‑insurance premium coverage, Health Reimbursement Arrangement contributions, short‑ and long‑term disability insurance, life/AD&D insurance, retirement contributions, Employee Assistance Program.
• Pre‑tax employee contributions:
  Dental and vision insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, dependent‑care FSA, transportation account, 403(b) plan.
• Loan forgiveness under Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and District Attorney & Indigent Legal Services Attorney Loan Forgiveness (DALF).
• Respectful work environment, true work/life balance, discouragement of weekend work, encouragement of PTO usage.
• 18 paid holidays, including the period between December 24 and January 1.
• Accruals: 11 vacation days + 2 personal days (Year 1); 15 vacation days + 4 personal days (Year 2), max 23 vacation days starting Year 6; 10 sick days (5 frontloaded, 5 accrued); 2 “Sunshine Days” (bonus PTO) between Memorial Day and Labor Day (prorated first year).
• Flexible schedules; up to 2 remote days per week after the 3‑month introductory period.
• Diversity and inclusion dedication.

VLP is an equal‑opportunity employer and welcomes all applicants. The organization hires without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, immigration or citizenship status, pregnancy‑related condition, ensuring all kinds of protected statuses.

For information on VLP, see