Managing Attorney, School-Based Help Desk

National Immigrant Justice Center•Chicago, IL

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) is expanding its pilot project providing legal services in Chicago Public High Schools. This role will involve developing and managing "School-Based Helpdesks" in four Chicago Public Schools. The goal is to screen, offer legal assistance and consultations, educate individuals about their rights, and identify and accept representation of students and their families. The Managing Attorney will supervise a team, build relationships with stakeholders, oversee legal work, and contribute to policy and litigation efforts. This position reports to the Associate Director for Children's Protection and is part of the Children's Project supervisory team.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate
Law license
Minimum of five years of experience in immigration law and/or refugee law
Minimum of three years of supervisory experience
Knowledge of immigration law, policies, and practices and their intersection with children and young people
Experience in immigration court
Experience in state and federal court
Ability to obtain and maintain required school volunteer status
Spanish fluency
Demonstrated competency in public speaking
Strong interpersonal skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
Familiarity with legal software applications
Familiarity with Canva

Nice To Haves

Experience working with schools
Experience working with young people in the city of Chicago
Speakers of additional languages are encouraged to apply

Responsibilities

Works with the NIJC team, school staff, and students, to develop and support the School-Based Helpdesk project.
Establishes and documents metrics for each participating school and for the project overall to support development of a replicable model.
Ensures compliance with state funding requirements; assists in drafting proposals and reports to funders, as well as monthly reports.
Collaborates with the Associate Director and supervisory team to ensure project is advancing impact given the external and internal realities.
Collaborates with the supervisory team to support staff development on immigration issues and promote best practices in legal services delivery.
Provides direct supervision and support to supervisors, staff, interns, and volunteers as assigned.
Evaluates supervisees' progress toward established objectives by comparing expected and actual outcomes and provides quarterly reports.
Collaborates with NIJC staff in identifying issues that may be appropriate for advocacy and federal litigation. Gathers data on trends and emerging immigration legal challenges. Responds to challenges and provides recommendations to inform strategic decisions and team modifications.
Performs case audits to evaluate cases considering current law and ensures accurate data entry, as required by program needs and funding requirements.
Ensures timely response to all inquiries, including requests for referrals, community outreach, and materials relating to the projects.
Provides limited direct representation to individuals in removal proceedings and in administration applications for immigration relief.
Serves as NIJC representative on immigration legal services and provides training and outreach with community-based organizations, colleague agencies, elected officials, and national networks working on immigration.
Liaises with the Associate Director of Government Relations regarding developments in immigration law and policy affecting schools and the communities served.
Develops and assists in the implementation of training for staff, pro bono attorneys and volunteers, community organizations, and immigration officers on issues relating to projects.
Assists in the recruitment, training, and support of pro bono attorneys.
Participates in trainings and conferences on management, as well as on substantive areas of the law.
In coordination with the Associate Director, ensures compliance with funder reporting requirements.
Identifies and initiates potential coalitions and partnerships.
Provides case coverage, as needed, for Spanish-speaking clients during supervisee absences or other staffing gaps.
Conducts community presentations in English and Spanish.
Remains abreast of announcements shared through social media, local news, and school communication platforms.
Manages other essential duties as assigned.