Job Description

About NIJC

The National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) advances human rights and due process for immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers through direct legal services, impact litigation, advocacy, and public education. Headquartered in Chicago with offices in Washington, DC, Indiana, and San Diego, NIJC's team of 100 attorneys, paralegals, and professionals, along with 2,000 pro bono attorneys, is at the forefront of immigration reform.

Job Summary

This position provides legal representation and counseling to immigrants and asylum-seekers appearing before the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with a focus on representation of individuals in DHS custody in their bond and removal proceedings and appeals before the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). Legal representation may also include work on federal habeas corpus petitions challenging the legality of clients' detention and detention conditions. The position also provides technical support to pro bono counsel assigned to NIJC cases, both locally and nationally. This position will also include capacity building work, presenting trainings, drafting practice advisories and samples, and providing office hours and mentoring other legal representatives. The Senior Attorney will serve as a mentor to junior staff, as well as the development of new initiatives or projects within the team. This position is located in Chicago, IL, but we remote candidates will be considered.

How to Apply

Applicants should submit a brief cover letter addressing their qualifications and interest in this position, resume, and writing sample with their application.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Conducts preliminary intake interview, gathering relevant facts for presentation at Unit meetings.
• Develops and implements complex and rapid response case strategies in consultation with supervisor.
• Prepares cases for interview or hearing, including drafting legal papers, conducting client advocacy, presenting evidence, etc. in accord with the Code of Professional Responsibility for the legal profession.
• Carries a volume of work as required by the department. Has in-depth knowledge of legal and other resources.
• With the Supervisor and NIJC Pro Bono Manager, prepares complex cases for recruitment of pro bono counsel.
• Travels to detention centers to conduct intakes of potential clients and legal screenings.
• Provides technical support to pro bono counsel assigned to complex NIJC cases.
• Collaborates with other NIJC teams (Litigation, Policy, and Communications) on cases and projects.
• Remains current on immigration law, policies and procedures, and is able to rapidly interpret changes in the law and assess the impact on cases.
• Develops and maintains professional relationships with EOIR, DHS, U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS), government and social service organizations and community organizations as necessary. Interprets immigration and department policies and programs to the public, including public speaking.
• Maintains complete and accurate client records. Prepares timely statistical reports. Conducts quarterly case audits for presentation and review of the Supervisor.
• Attends training on immigration procedures as directed by the Supervisor. May also lead training sessions as assigned by the Supervisor.
• Identifies trends and recurring legal and social concerns. Recommends strategies for solutions and other needed advocacy.
• Adheres to professional standards as outlined by governmental bodies (and/or other appropriate professional associations), private funding sources, Organization plans/policies and Unit guidelines.
• Takes part in regular evaluative reviews and both in-house and external staff training to ensure understanding and ongoing compliance with standards. Seeks assistance or guidance from the Supervisor when facing new challenges or complex concepts that impact adherence to professional standards.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Education and/or Experience : A law degree (JD), license to practice law and at least 3 years' experience in the legal field, preferably in the field of immigration law, with a focus on removal defense. Applicants with significantly more experience are encouraged to apply, and total years of relevant experience will be considered as part of the final salary determination.
• Language Skills : Spanish Speaking strongly preferred. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Demonstrated competency in public speaking and strong interpersonal skills required. Additional non-English language skills are preferred.
• Computer Skills : Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Windows operating systems.
• Reasoning Ability : Solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Physical Abilities Statement

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time.
• The person in this position occasionally needs to move about the inside of the office to access filing cabinets, office machinery, etc.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a copy machine.

It is the policy of NIJC not to discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of age, color, sex, disability, national origin, race, religion, or veteran status.

By submitting your application, you acknowledge and consent to undergo a comprehensive background check as part of the employment process. This background check will be conducted in compliance with applicable state and federal laws.

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