Attorney (ID# 4516)

Job Title: Attorney (Barred in Federal Court) – Emergency Deportation Defense Litigation

Location: NYC

Type: Contract (Duration is ongoing)

Practice Area: Civil Rights / Habeas Corpus / Detention Defense / Deportation Defense

Compensation: Around $100/hour

Hours: Ranges from PT to FT

About the Role:

On Call Counsel is urgently seeking a NY licensed attorney barred in Federal Court to represent individuals who are being forcibly transferred and detained in out-of-state detention centers. The work centers around filing emergency habeas corpus petitions to secure their return, and this role also involves deportation defense litigation. These are often time-sensitive, high-stakes cases requiring swift, trauma-informed, and legally rigorous advocacy.

This is deeply meaningful and emotionally demanding work. Applicants should be prepared to work with clients who are in crisis and facing devastating consequences.

Key Responsibilities:

• File and litigate habeas corpus petitions on behalf of clients detained out of state.
• Conduct emergency legal research and draft filings under tight deadlines.
• Interview and counsel clients and their families with sensitivity to trauma and crisis.
• Coordinate with local counsel, public defenders, and advocacy groups to gather affidavits, declarations, and other supporting documentation.
• Appear in court as needed
• Maintain detailed records of all case activity and communications.

Qualifications:

• Must be admitted to practice and in good standing in New York, and one of the Federal Districts.
• Litigation experience required; experience with habeas, deportation defense, criminal defense, or emergency civil rights litigation strongly preferred.
• Background in public defense, impact litigation, or other client-centered advocacy is a strong plus.
• Must have strong writing skills, ability to work quickly and independently, and emotional resilience.
• Must be able to communicate clearly with clients and their families in high-stress situations.
• Commitment to justice and belief in the rights and dignity of detained individuals is essential.

What to Expect: This is difficult and emotionally intense work. You will be on the front lines of defending people from being disappeared into the detention system and/or deported. The ideal candidate is legally sharp, deeply empathetic, and unafraid to challenge systemic injustice.

Applicants can send their resumes to Chelsea Johnson at

We are an equal opportunity employer and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. We strictly prohibit and do not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity and expression), marital or familial status, age, physical or mental disability, perceived disability, citizenship status, service in the uniformed services, genetic information, height, weight, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Applications from members of minority groups and women are encouraged.