Senior Attorney, Detention Team, NIJC

National Immigrant Justice Center • Chicago, IL

5d • Onsite

About The Position

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. 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. The Senior Attorney will serve as a mentor to junior staff, as well as the development of new initiatives or projects within the team.

Requirements

• A law degree (JD)
• License to practice law
• At least 3 years' experience in the legal field, preferably in the field of immigration law, with a focus on removal defense.
• Fluency in English is required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Windows operating systems.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Spanish fluency preferred.
• Additional non-English language skills are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conducts preliminary intake interviews and assesses income eligibility to make appropriate referrals for those individuals not eligible for Organization services.
• Recommends exceptions to financial guidelines to the Supervisor.
• Prepares cases for hearing by drafting legal papers, engaging in negotiation, presenting evidence, etc.
• Conducts assessment of clients' social, psychological, and economic functioning and determines appropriate interventions and referrals.
• Ensures the provision of a wide range of services for clients.
• Carries a volume of cases as required by the department.
• With the Supervisor and NIJC Pro Bono Manager, prepares cases for recruitment of pro bono counsel, and provides technical support to pro bono counsel assigned to NIJC cases, locally and nationally.
• Maintains complete and accurate client records, prepares timely statistical reports, and conducts quarterly case audits for presentation.
• Participates in training on immigration procedures as assigned by the Supervisor.
• May conduct training sessions as assigned by the Supervisor.
• Identifies trends and recurring legal and social concerns.
• Recommends strategies for solutions and other needed advocacy.
• Develops and implements preliminary case strategy, further developing strategy with supervisor.
• 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 through public speaking engagements or training.
• In accordance with the ethical standards required of the legal profession, the Code of Professional Responsibility preserves client confidentiality, accounts for client monies, and avoids conflict of interest.

Benefits

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior