Senior Attorney for Pro Bono, Protection Project

National Immigrant Justice Center•Chicago, IL

11d•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

A law degree (JD)
License to practice law in the United States
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.
Spanish fluency is preferred but not required.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
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.
Proficient in Microsoft 365.

Nice To Haves

Spanish fluency

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.
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.