Open Position for Immigration Attorney, Morningside Heights Legal Services, Inc., Columbia Law

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. 

Click the link above for details.