Description
Job Title: Attorney (Barred in SDNY) – Emergency Habeas Litigation
Location: Southern District of New York (Hybrid)
Type: Contract
Practice Area: Civil Rights / Habeas Corpus / Detention Defense
About the Role:
On Call Counsel is urgently seeking a licensed attorney barred in the Southern District of New York (SDNY) 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. 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 in SDNY 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 (primarily in SDNY).
- Maintain detailed records of all case activity and communications.
Qualifications:
- Must be admitted to practice and in good standing in the Southern District of New York.
- Litigation experience required; experience with habeas, criminal defense, or emergency civil rights litigation strongly preferred.
- Background in public defense, impact litigation, or other client-centered advocacy is a strong plus.
- No immigration experience necessary.
- 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. The ideal candidate is legally sharp, deeply empathetic, and unafraid to challenge systemic injustice.
Compensation: Competitive and commensurate with experience.
How to Apply: Email your resume directly to Chelsea Johnson at cjohnson@oncallcounsel.com
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.
