Bond and Case Coordinator (1099 Independent Contractor)
WHO WE ARE
Born out of the legal efforts at JFK Airport during the Muslim Ban, Immigrant-ARC (“I-ARC”) has been growing exponentially since spinning out as a stand-alone non-profit over five years ago. During that time, we have been on the frontlines of responding to the Afghan evacuation, the reception of Ukrainian refugees, and welcoming recently arrived immigrants to New York City and New York State, all while strengthening and growing the immigration legal services field to increase immigrant New Yorker’s access to counsel and access to justice.
Our community includes over 100 legal service providers in New York State. We come together in solidarity with all New Yorkers who believe in fair and just immigration policies and who share our collective outrage at the injustices confronting immigrant communities. We use our knowledge of immigration law and practice to empower each other and the communities we serve to collectively fight systemic oppression and seek respect and dignity for all. We recognize that access to justice for immigrant communities is inextricably linked to the broader fight for racial justice. We commit to working alongside all others who are fighting to achieve a vision of a more just and equitable world.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
The Bond Coordinator will assist with bond hearing preparation and representation for detained individuals served by I-ARC’s New York Habeas Program. In this position you will work with detained individuals, their families/communities and their counsel to prepare evidentiary packets for bond hearings.
The Bond Coordinator will serve as the program’s primary support for bond representation. This role will support the Habeas Operations Senior Manager in the recruitment of volunteers, contract attorneys and pro bono limited scope representation.
NOTE: This is a grant-funded contractor position with a two-year term (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2028). The position is subject to the availability of grant funding and organizational need.
Specifically, the Bond Coordinator will:
Organize the collection of documents and evidence needed for bond representation.
Liaise directly with bond counsel as needed to confirm what kind of documentation is needed in each case and to coordinate timely collection.
Facilitate communication with detained clients and with family/community members where necessary to obtain records and evidence for bond packets and for habeas case evaluation/preparation as needed and to ensure timely responses to case inquiries.
Referrals to NYIFUP Providers: As needed, coordinate and confirm the early referral of eligible NY Habeas Program cases to New York Family Unity Project (NYIFUP)-funded providers to secure bond/removal representation in immigration court
Volunteer Bond Packet Preparation: Assist the Habeas Operations Sr. Manager in recruitment, screening, and coordination of volunteers.
Pro Bono Limited Scope Representation: Assist the Habeas Operations Sr. Manager in recruitment, screening, and coordination of pro bono attorneys to provide limited scope legal representation to detained individuals at their bond hearings where the person does not have immigration representation.
Low Bono Limited Scope Representation by Contract Fellows: Assist the Habeas Operations Sr. Manager in coordinating contracted attorneys to supplement bond hearing representation for detained individuals served by the NY Habeas Program where needed.
Training: Assist the Habeas Supervising Attorney(s) with training to ensure that all volunteers (both lawyers and non-lawyers) receive the appropriate training and orientation prior to engaging in this work.
Volunteer Guides: Create volunteer guides and checklists to support this work that are specific to each immigration court jurisdiction covered by the NY Habeas Project.
Data Collection: Collect all necessary case and volunteer data in the Program’s data systems and assist with reporting. Ensure timely, consistent, and complete data entry and keep data updated. Coordinate with I-ARC’s Court Observation Project to collect and document pro bono attorney’s’ observations about what happened during their bond hearings as well as bond outcomes for detained individuals served by the NY Habeas Program.
WHO YOU ARE
An Expert at Gathering and Preparing Evidence for Immigration Court Bond Hearings and Other Detained Case Matters: You bring deep expertise in preparation for immigration court bond hearings. You are comfortable speaking with detained individuals, meeting with individuals in custody, and speaking with family, community members and immigration attorneys. You have expertise in collecting documentation for and preparing bond and other evidentiary packets for detained cases.
A Collaborative Partner: You excel at building relationships and working across teams and organizations. You have experience working with immigration attorneys, law firms, and families/communities.
An Adaptable Problem Solver: You thrive in fast-paced environments and can effectively manage multiple priorities at once. You exercise sound judgment, work independently when needed, and remain calm under pressure when handling emergency or time-sensitive legal matters.
COMPENSATION AND CONTRACT TERMS
At I-ARC we aim to foster a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment where everyone feels empowered to be their whole selves and is treated with dignity and respect. We welcome applications from qualified individuals, irrespective of their race, skin color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, disability status, or any other characteristic. We encourage anyone who feels qualified to apply regardless of gaps in resume, unconventional career paths, or other factors.
I-ARC is committed to transparency and equity in contractor compensation. Compensation is determined based on the scope of work, relevant experience, qualifications, market research, available funding, and organizational budget.
Contract Type: Independent Contractor (1099)
Expected Workload: Approximately 25–30 hours per week
Contract Term: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2028, contingent upon continued grant funding and organizational need. Contract renewal or extension may be considered based on funding availability and organizational priorities.
Compensation: $4,000 per month*
As an independent contractor, you will be responsible for your own taxes and business expenses. This position is not eligible for employee benefits.
Experience: Experience working as a paralegal or Department of Justice Accredited Representative in detained immigration removal defense is strongly preferred. Proficiency with collaboration and case management platforms such as Google Workspace, Slack, Asana, Airtable, Jotform, Zoom, or similar tools is also preferred.
Language(s): Bilingual applicants strongly encouraged.
Location: Remote. Candidates must reside in New York, as some travel will be required across New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania as needed.
Equal Opportunity
I-ARC is an equal-opportunity organization with a strong commitment to diversity. At I-ARC we aim to foster a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment where everyone feels empowered to be their whole selves and is treated with dignity and respect. We welcome applications from qualified individuals, irrespective of their race, skin color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, disability status, or any other characteristic. We encourage anyone who feels qualified to apply regardless of gaps in resume, unconventional career paths, or other factors.
