Senior Attorney Asylum Project NIJC

National Immigrant Justice Center•Chicago, IL

10d

About The Position

The National Immigrant Justice Center (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). The role focuses on complex asylum cases involving children, families, and adults. The attorney provides direct technical assistance to pro bono counsel assigned to NIJC cases and develops training materials for pro bono attorneys. The position includes supporting and mentoring attorneys, reviewing cases for legal accuracy and strategic alignment, developing complex case strategies with a supervisor, and keeping current on immigration law, policies, procedures, and the relevance of criminal and civil law to immigrant representation. As needed, the attorney prepares cases for interviews or hearings, including drafting legal papers, conducting client advocacy, and presenting evidence. The attorney maintains accurate client records and data, conducts case audits, and adheres to applicable professional standards and organizational guidelines. The role requires a law degree, a U.S. license to practice law, and at least three years of immigration-law experience. Spanish fluency is preferred but not required. The work environment includes office work, with frequent computer and office-machinery use and occasional movement around the office.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (JD) degree.
License to practice law in the United States.
At least three years of experience in immigration law.
Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively on projects with lawyers, other staff members, and law firms.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Ability to solve practical problems and handle concrete variables in situations with limited standardization.
Ability to interpret written, oral, diagram, or schedule instructions.
Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, work independently, and collaborate effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Proficiency in Microsoft 365.
Strong writing skills, including the ability to explain complicated concepts to nonspecialists.
Ability to adapt quickly to change and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
Self-motivation and commitment to immigrant advocacy.
Meticulous attention to detail, clear communication, and effective time management.
Excellent public-speaking and interpersonal skills.
Ability to remain stationary for 50% of the time, occasionally move around the office, and operate a computer and other office productivity machinery.

Nice To Haves

Spanish fluency is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Provide technical support to NIJC pro bono counsel assigned to NIJC cases.
Develop sample materials and training materials on best practices in representation before USCIS and immigration courts.
Promote 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 recruitment, training, and supervision of pro bono attorneys to expand service capacity.
Present immigration-law concepts and best practices at live trainings.
Develop and implement complex case strategies in consultation with a supervisor.
Carry a volume of work as required by the department.
As needed, prepare cases for interviews or hearings, including drafting legal papers, conducting client advocacy, and presenting evidence in accordance with professional responsibilities.
Maintain in-depth knowledge of legal and other resources.
Stay current on immigration law, policies, and procedures, and on implications of criminal and civil law for immigrant representation.
Adhere to professional standards, funding-source requirements, organizational plans and policies, and unit guidelines; participate in evaluative reviews and training, and seek supervisor guidance on new or complex issues.
Maintain complete and accurate client records and conduct periodic case audits.
Identify trends and recurring legal and social concerns and recommend solutions and advocacy strategies.
Build and maintain productive relationships with colleagues and external partners.