Temporary Managing Attorney, NYC

Organization Overview 

Safe Passage Project (SPP) is a highly-focused nonprofit immigration legal services organization that provides free lawyers to immigrant children facing deportation. Founded in 2013, SPP has grown to include 60+ employees, two offices, and an annual budget of over $10 million. It manages over 1,600 open cases a year. 

To date, SPP has supported more than 3,000 young people in NYC and Long Island. The New  York Immigration Courts, some of the busiest immigration courts in the U.S., have more than  15,000 juveniles on their dockets, many of whom are fleeing trauma in their countries of origin  such as gang violence and recruitment, abuse, and sexual assault. Immigrant children are not  afforded free legal representation by the government, regardless of their age. As a result, more  than half of immigrant children in immigration proceedings must go to court without the aid of a  lawyer. Among unaccompanied children with legal representation, immigration court data shows that 90% are allowed to remain in the United States, whereas only 15% of unrepresented children are allowed to stay. This is where Safe Passage Project steps in, both through providing  immigrant youth with direct representation by staff attorneys and through a robust network of pro bono attorneys who SPP attorneys train, mentor, and supervise. 

About the Role

Safe Passage Project is looking for a Temporary Managing Attorney to work with us from August 2026 through January 2027. The Temporary Managing Attorney, NYC will be joining a group of exceptional public interest attorneys to directly impact the lives of immigrant children looking for safety and security in the U.S. The Temporary Managing Attorney will lead and oversee Safe Passage Project's New York City-based legal team, managing a team of attorneys and paralegals that provides legal representation to children in immigration and other related proceedings, including cases involving asylum, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, and other forms of immigration relief. The Temporary Managing Attorney, NYC participates in the leadership of Safe Passage Project and reports to the Legal Director.

This opportunity will be based in our New York City office.

Your responsibilities will include: 

• Lead a team of attorneys and paralegals working out of Safe Passage Project's New York City office to represent minors in removal proceedings before the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), USCIS, and Family Court;
• Directly manage a team of NYC-based supervising attorneys and paralegals, conducting regular check-ins, case reviews, and performance evaluations;
• Carry a caseload directly representing minors in their immigration cases and mentoring pro bono attorneys who represent minors in their immigration cases;
• Work closely with the senior legal management team and the Executive Director in the analysis and creation of legal strategies, as well as organizational policies and strategies for Safe Passage Project staff;
• Collaborate with other Safe Passage Project departments on specific projects and initiatives.

Qualifications: The strongest candidates for this position will have most, though likely not all, of the following qualifications and characteristics: 

• J.D. degree and admission to the New York State Bar
• Six (6) or more years of immigration law experience, with at least three (3) years of experience supervising other attorneys and support staff
• Strong database and computer skills (experience with Salesforce preferred)
• Excellent multitasking and project management abilities, with a proven track record of handling complex projects efficiently
• Excellent writing, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Exceptional organizational, time management, and record-keeping skills
• A high level of discretion in handling confidential information 
• Proven adaptability and flexibility in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, with proactive problem-solving skills
• A spirit for collaboration and being a team player
• A demonstrated ability to understand, communicate with, and effectively interact with people across cultures, as well as sensitivity to and knowledge of the various dimensions of diversity, including gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, and socioeconomic status
• A commitment to the work of Safe Passage Project and a readiness to grow and learn with the Safe Passage Project team 
• Fluency in Spanish is a plus but not required.

Compensation and Benefits

Safe Passage Project offers a competitive salary in the range of $120,000 - $140,000 annually, along with a comprehensive and mission-aligned benefits package that includes:

• Work Environment and Flexibility
  • Hybrid work environment: Staff currently work from the office one day per week
  • Flexible work schedules to support work-life balance
  • Open Paid Time Off
  • Additional Work From Home time: up to 4 weeks annually
  • Office closure: December 24 through January 1 (in addition to Paid Holidays)
  • Home office stipend
  • Technology and equipment support for remote and hybrid work
    
• Health and Wellness
  • Medical plans, including an option with 100 percent employer-covered premiums
  • Dental and vision plans and access to telehealth services
  • Mental health and wellness resources through our health plans
  • Short-term and long-term disability coverage
  • Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts
  • Commuter benefits for transit and parking
  • Health Advocate services to support employees and covered family members in navigating care and insurance
    
    
• Financial and Retirement
  • Retirement savings plan: up to a 6 percent employer match on 401(k) contributions
  • Pre-tax benefit options, including commuter and health accounts
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness: Safe Passage Project is a qualified employer under the federal PSLF program. Staff with eligible federal loans may qualify for loan forgiveness after 120 qualifying payments, and we can provide employment verification and required documentation to support the process
    
    
• Leave and Time Off
  • 12 weeks of Paid Family Leave for eligible employees
  • Additional unpaid leave options in alignment with organizational policies
  • Paid holidays throughout the year
  • Bereavement leave
    
    
• Professional Growth
  • Annual professional development stipend
  • Access to trainings, conferences, and skill-building opportunities
  • Access to Practising Law Institute (PLI) resources and training for ongoing legal education and professional development

The team works on a beautiful campus at a terrific office location in Tribeca, and in our Long Island office in Nassau County, NY (near LIRR).

Work Authorization
All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship for a work visa or permit. We are currently unable to sponsor employment visas or permits. 

Safe Passage Project is an equal-opportunity employer. Women, people of color, LGBTQ people, veterans, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

For more information on Safe Passage Project, please visit www.safepassageproject.org.