JOHN JEHA
Syracuse,New York
Summary
Accomplished Senior Attorney at The Frank H. Hiscock Legal Aid Society, specializing in immigration law with a proven track record in court representation and asylum cases. Skilled in adjustment of status and naturalization guidance, demonstrating exceptional research and persuasive oral argument abilities. Achieved successful outcomes in over 90% of cases handled, showcasing dedication and legal expertise.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Attorney, Immigration Unit
The Frank H. Hiscock Legal Aid Society
Syracuse, New York
05.2019 - Current
- Advocate for immigrant clients throughout all stages of legal proceedings in immigration court before the Department of Justice's Executive Office of Immigration Review.
- Prepare immigration forms for clients before United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) including legal permanent residency applications, special juvenile immigrant applications, U-visa applications, VAWA visa applications, asylum applications, work authorization renewals, etc
- Represent unaccompanied minors, incapacitated persons and their guardians in New York Family and Surrogates Court in guardianship proceedings in connection with their immigration cases
- Conduct consultations with potential clients on different immigration matters
- Perform presentations and trainings for immigrants curious about their rights in the US and how to adjust and/or gain legal status in the US
Program Associate
National Center for State Courts, International Programs Division
Arlington, VA
06.2019 - 08.2019
- Contributed to business development initiatives related to court excellence, court administration, anti-corruption, access to justice, and gender empowerment
- This included drafting employment, sub-grant, partnership, and business contracts
- Developed and monitored work plans, deliverables, sub-grant programs, training, and technical activities to ensure the successful implementation of projects
- Drafted and compiled quarterly, annual, and other program reports as well as supporting documents
- Reviewed field office expense reports, including verifying account balances, transaction coding, and completeness of supporting documentation for transactions
Intern
El-Aref International Law Office
Beirut, Lebanon
07.2018 - 03.2019
- Performed legal research, drafted memoranda and assisted attorneys on specific cases
- Assisted in managing case files, reviewing contracts and evaluating relevant statutes
- Also conducted administrative tasks
Student Attorney
Syracuse University College of Law, Criminal Defense Clinic
Syracuse, New York
05.2017 - 12.2017
- Represented clients charged with misdemeanor crimes in Syracuse City Court
- Handled all aspects of the client’s case, including client and witness interviewing, other investigations, court appearances, client counseling, motion practice, suppression and other hearings, pleas, and trial preparation
Research Assistant
Human Rights Watch, Middle East and North Africa Division
Beirut, Lebanon
07.2015 - 12.2015
- Conducted interviews with refugees, victims of the Syrian conflict and witnesses to human rights and humanitarian law violations
- Collected evidence of Russian air strikes in Syria using social media and online tools
- Was responsible for transferring information and evidence into databases; participated in verifying evidence (mostly videos and photos) through geotagging
- Assisted in producing Human Rights Watch reports and press releases, including reports detailing abuses in Syrian military hospitals
Intern
Beyond Reform and Development
Beirut, Lebanon
05.2015 - 07.2015
- Company Overview: Beyond Reform and Development is a consulting firm and a social business based in Beirut, specialized in policy research, public management and capacity development serving clients across the Middle East
- Focused on conducting research on development of social entrepreneurship and enterprises in the Middle East
- Assisted with translation (from Arabic to English) of recordings of Iraqi social entrepreneurs explaining their stories and businesses
- Helped organize workshops and coordination meetings bringing together Lebanese civil society organizations with similar focuses
- Beyond Reform and Development is a consulting firm and a social business based in Beirut, specialized in policy research, public management and capacity development serving clients across the Middle East
Intern
United Nations, Economic & Social Council for Western Asia (UN-ESCWA)
Beirut, Lebanon
06.2014 - 08.2014
- Drafted legal memos on contractual guidelines for entering into partnerships with other organizations/member country institutions
- Authored evaluation and policy briefs, memoranda, and promotional materials
- Assisted in developing the 'Partnership Knowledge Database,' a software for holding information on ESCWA organizational partners that would allow for a central and accessible database of all the organization’s partners
- Attended ESCWA organization meetings, including emergency meetings responding to ongoing crises in the region at the time
Intern
Office of United States Senator Jeanne Shaheen
Washington, DC
01.2013 - 05.2013
- Conducted research for congressional staffers
- Created daily statistical reports on constituents who contacted the Senator’s D.C
- Office and issues they expressed concern about
- Attended meetings, hearings, and briefings on legislative issues and wrote summary memos for the staffer in charge of each issue
- Organized and wrote form letters in response to constituent correspondence
- Served as a Capitol Hill Tour Guide
Education
Juris Doctor -
Syracuse University College of Law
Syracuse, New York12.2017
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science & International Affairs
Lebanese American University
Beirut, Lebanon07.2012
Skills
- Adjustment of status
- Immigration court representation
- Asylum representation
- Removal proceedings
- Naturalization guidance
- Immigration law specialization
- Appeals and motions
- Family-based petitions
Certification
Licensed to practice law in New York State
Languages
English
Native/ Bilingual
Arabic
Native/ Bilingual
French
Professional
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Program Associate
National Center for State Courts, International Programs Division
06.2019 - 08.2019
Senior Attorney, Immigration Unit
The Frank H. Hiscock Legal Aid Society
05.2019 - Current
Intern
El-Aref International Law Office
07.2018 - 03.2019
Student Attorney
Syracuse University College of Law, Criminal Defense Clinic
05.2017 - 12.2017
Research Assistant
Human Rights Watch, Middle East and North Africa Division
07.2015 - 12.2015
Intern
Beyond Reform and Development
05.2015 - 07.2015
Intern
United Nations, Economic & Social Council for Western Asia (UN-ESCWA)
06.2014 - 08.2014
Intern
Office of United States Senator Jeanne Shaheen
01.2013 - 05.2013
Licensed to practice law in New York State
Juris Doctor -
Syracuse University College of Law
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science & International Affairs
Lebanese American University
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