Address
Form of workPosition: Immigration Counsel
Unit: Diversion
Supervisor: Supervisor of Diversion
Company Description
The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office is the largest prosecutor’s office in Pennsylvania, and one of the largest in the nation. It serves more than 1.5 million citizens of the City and County of Philadelphia, employing 600 lawyers, detectives and support staff. Our Assistant District Attorneys are dedicated to public service, public safety, and justice for all involved in the criminal justice system.
The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office in particular is committed to several citywide collaborations aimed at reducing Philadelphia’s jail population and improving the criminal justice system overall.
**Please note that effective September 1, 2021, the City of Philadelphia requires all new employees to present proof of vaccination against COVID-19. **
To attain a job with the city, you must be a city of Philadelphia resident within 6 months (180 days) of hire and able to work completely in the office.
Summary of Job
The Philadelphia District Attorney's Office (DAO) is seeking an Immigration Counsel; Immigration Counsel for the DAO serves to ensure noncitizens have full access to the criminal legal system and that they can participate —as victims, witnesses and defendants— in this system in order to ensure the safety of Philadelphia communities and residents, irrespective of immigration status.
The Philadelphia District Attorney's Office (DAO) is seeking an Immigration Counsel; Immigration Counsel for the DAO serves to ensure noncitizens have full access to the criminal legal system and that they can participate —as victims, witnesses and defendants— in this system in order to ensure the safety of Philadelphia communities and residents, irrespective of immigration status.
Job Responsibilities
- Reviewing all cases involving noncitizen defendants and crafting immigration considered offers, determining when and if to extend an immigration neutral or immigration mitigated offer.
- Consulting with assigned ADA’s and appearing before the Municipal Court and Court of Common Pleas as needed for pleas, motions, and other related hearings.
- Supporting noncitizen victims, including completing U and T certifications by the DAO, supporting related criminal investigations and prosecutions, and working and collaborating with community-based organizations to meet the needs of immigrant communities.
- Training DAO and out-of-office attorneys and staff on immigration policy and best practices.
- Representing the DAO in community outreach and education, and working across and in conjunction with DAO departments and personnel and to creatively problem solve.
Skills & Qualifications
- All candidates must be admitted to practice law in the State of Pennsylvania with an active PA bar license.
- Prior experience in criminal and immigration law preferred. Must have at least 1-year experience litigating cases in immigration court (EOIR).
- All qualified applicants must have earned a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
- Competency in a language other than English preferred.
- Familiarity with Pennsylvania criminal law and criminal statutes preferred.
- Intermediate to expert ability with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
- Proven critical thinking skills and a willingness to learn
- Ability to develop and cultivate effective internal/external working relationships is essential.
- Understanding of the uniquely sensitive and confidential nature of the professional services provided by the Office.
Rewards/Benefits
This is an exempt employee with the City of Philadelphia. Immediately upon assuming office, new hire will receive benefits similar to those of other City of Philadelphia employees, including the below benefits:
- Generous retirement savings options available (pension plan and etc.)
- We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program qualified employer
- We offer comprehensive health coverage (medical, vision, prescription and dental) for employees and their eligible dependents
- Annual paid time off (PTO) package: 10 vacation days, 15 sick leave days, 11 paid holidays, 5 annual administrative leave
- Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
- Before tax commuter program
- Health care and Dependent care flexible spending accounts
- Sick leave bonuses and exchanges
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Applications will be active for one year from the date of receipt by the Office.
All exempt employees of the District Attorney’s Office are at-will employees and serve at the pleasure of the District Attorney. The at-will relationship shall not be modified for any employee and no agreement, oral or written, shall be entered into that changes the at-will relationship.
** The Philadelphia District Attorney's Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. **
