Immigration Attorney

Westside Justice Center•Chicago, IL

4d•$75,000 - $80,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Westside Justice Center is growing and expanding its legal services team! Unleash your advocacy skills and make a difference with the Westside Justice Center. Join our mission-driven team as an Immigration Attorney and play a critical role in advancing access to justice for immigrant individuals and families navigating the U.S. immigration system. Founded in 2015, the Westside Justice Center (WJC) is not just a workplace—it is a community-centered Legal Aid clinic committed to eradicating barriers to justice and uplifting authentic community leadership. As an Immigration Attorney, you will provide direct legal representation and strategic advocacy in a wide range of U.S. immigration matters. You will work closely with paralegals, legal support staff, and community partners to ensure high-quality, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive legal services. If you are passionate about social justice, immigrant rights, and community-based legal advocacy, we invite you to apply.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
Active license to practice law in the United States (required); State of Illinois (preferred).
Demonstrated experience or training in U.S. immigration law practice, clinics, fellowships, supervised work, or comparable legal settings.
Strong working knowledge of U.S. immigration processes and filings, including USCIS, EOIR, and NVC procedures.
Familiarity with commonly used immigration forms (such as I-831, I-765, and bonds) and supporting evidence requirements.
Experience preparing affidavits, declarations, legal briefs, and supporting documentation.
Experience working at a nonprofit or legal aid organization.
At least conversational Spanish.
Strong legal writing, analytical, and advocacy skills.
Exceptional attention to detail and ability to manage multiple active cases.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills with diverse client populations.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively within a legal team.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with legal case management databases, or willingness to learn.
A deep commitment to WJC’s mission of advancing justice and equity for underserved communities.

Nice To Haves

Proficiency in Haitian Creole, Spanish, or other languages spoken within African and Caribbean diaspora communities (such as Yoruba, Swahili, or Amharic) is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide direct legal representation in U.S. immigration matters, including family-based petitions, asylum, adjustment of status, naturalization/citizenship, and humanitarian relief.
Conduct client consultations, legal screenings, and full case assessments.
Prepare, review, and file immigration applications, motions, briefs, and supporting documentation.
Represent clients before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), and other relevant agencies, as applicable.
Identify relief options, assess legal risks, and advise clients on case strategy and next steps.
Supervise, collaborate with, and provide legal guidance to paralegals, law clerks, and volunteers.
Conduct legal and factual research related to immigration law, regulations, and policy guidance.
Maintain accurate, timely, and complete case files in compliance with ethical standards and organizational policies.
Track case deadlines, notices, and outcomes using case management systems.
Coordinate and collaborate with partner organizations and community service providers.
Support immigration workshops, legal clinics, and community education events as needed.