Children's Attorney – Immigration Law (NY)

About the role

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is seeking a dedicated Children’s Attorney to join its Children’s Legal Services team in Midtown Manhattan. The attorney will provide direct immigration representation to unaccompanied children who have been released from Office of Refugee Resettlement custody, helping them secure safety and legal status in the United States.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct intake interviews with child clients, assess eligibility for immigration relief, and advise on available options.
• Prepare, file, and monitor applications for Special Immigrant Juvenile classification, asylum, U‑visa (crime‑victim) and T‑visa (trafficking‑victim) relief.
• Appear before New York State courts, Immigration Court, USCIS, and the Asylum Office on behalf of clients.
• Represent children in state court proceedings related to custody and guardianship for Special Immigrant Juvenile cases.
• Manage a moderate to heavy caseload across five NYC counties, Orange County (Hudson Valley), and Suffolk County (Long Island).
• Supervise a Children’s Legal Assistant and/or law students as needed.

Required profile

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree and admission to practice law in the United States.
• Demonstrated experience in immigration law, particularly with asylum, U‑visa, T‑visa, and Special Immigrant Juvenile cases.
• Strong ability to work with vulnerable children and navigate complex legal processes.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and capacity to handle a high‑volume caseload.

Required skills

What we offer

• Fixed‑term position funded through July 31 2026, with the possibility of extension based on funding.
• Opportunity to work within a leading humanitarian organization dedicated to protecting children.
• Collaboration with a multidisciplinary team of attorneys, technical units, and external partners.