Senior Attorney for Pro Bono, Protection Project

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.

Summary:

NIJC seeks a senior attorney to provide legal representation and immigration legal service counseling to immigrants appearing before the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with a focus on the representation of complex cases involving asylum seekers, including children, families, and adults. The position mainly provides technical support to pro bono counsel assigned to NIJC cases.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides technical support to NIJC pro bono counsel assigned to NIJC cases.
• Ensure consistent application of immigration law best practices through mentoring, case consultation, staff training, and regular case audits.
• Review cases for legal accuracy, strategic alignment, and compliance with current law; ensure timely and accurate data entry to meet program and funding requirements.
• Support the recruitment, training, and supervision of pro bono attorneys to expand service capacity.
• Develops and implements complex case strategies in consultation with supervisor.
• Carries a volume of work as required by the department.
• As needed, 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.
• Has in-depth knowledge of legal and other resources.
• Remains current on immigration law, policies and procedures. Remains current on implications of criminal and civil law as it applies to the representation of immigrants
• Adheres to professional standards as outlined by governmental bodies, (and/or other appropriate professional associations), private funding sources, Organization plans/policies and Unit guidelines. Participates in periodic evaluative reviews and in-house and external staff training to ensure adherence to such standards. Initiates requests for assistance or guidance from Supervisor to address new issues or complex concepts affecting adherence to professional standards.

Skills and Competencies

• Maintains complete and accurate client records. Conducts periodic case audits.
• Participates in training on immigration procedures as assigned by the Supervisor. May conduct training sessions and develop materials assigned by the Supervisor.
• Identifies trends and recurring legal and social concerns. Recommends strategies for solutions and other needed advocacy.
• Ability to thrive in fast-paced environments and adapt quickly to change.
• Self-motivated and committed to immigrant advocacy.
• Ability to build and maintain productive relationships with colleagues internally and outside of the organization.
• Meticulous attention to detail, clear communication, and effective time management.
• Excellent public speaking and interpersonal skills.

Qualifications:

• Education and/or Experience: A law degree (JD), license to practice law in the United States, and a minimum of three years' experience in immigration law. Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively on a variety of projects with lawyers, other staff members, and law firms.
• Language Skills: Spanish fluency is preferred but not required. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Reasoning Ability: Ability to 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. Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, work independently, and collaborate effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Computer Skills: Proficient in Microsoft 365.

How to Apply

Please Include:

• Your resume
• A brief cover letter that highlights your interest in this role, why the work resonates with you, and any experience that connects to NIJC's mission and the responsibilities of the position.

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 accommodation 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. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

For any technical issues please contact [email protected]