Senior Attorney Asylum Project NIJC

National Immigrant Justice Center•Chicago, IL

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 cases involving asylum seekers, including children, families, and adults. The Senior Attorney provides direct technical assistance to pro bono counsel assigned to NIJC cases and develops training materials for pro bono attorneys. The attorney develops complex case strategies in consultation with a supervisor, reviews cases for legal accuracy and compliance with current law, and may prepare cases for interviews or hearings. The position also supports recruitment, training, and supervision of pro bono attorneys; delivers live trainings; maintains client records; and contributes to case audits and advocacy strategies. The attorney is expected to stay current on immigration law, policies, procedures, and relevant criminal and civil law, and to follow applicable professional standards and organizational guidelines. NIJC advances human rights and due process for immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers through direct legal services, impact litigation, advocacy, and public education. It is headquartered in Chicago and has offices in Washington, DC, Indiana, and San Diego.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (JD) degree.
License to practice law in the United States.
At least three years of experience in immigration law.
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 address varied situations with limited standardization.
Ability to interpret instructions provided in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
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 a nonspecialist audience.
Ability to adapt quickly to change and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
Self-motivation and commitment to immigrant advocacy.
Ability to build and maintain productive relationships with colleagues inside and outside the organization.
Meticulous attention to detail, clear communication, effective time management, excellent public speaking, and interpersonal skills.

Nice To Haves

Spanish fluency is preferred.

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 key 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.
Maintain in-depth knowledge of legal and other resources.
Remain current on immigration law, policies, and procedures, and on the implications of criminal and civil law as they apply to representing immigrants.
Adhere to professional standards established by governmental bodies and appropriate professional associations, private funding sources, organizational plans and policies, and unit guidelines.
Participate in periodic evaluative reviews and in-house and external staff training.
Request supervisor assistance or guidance on new issues or complex concepts affecting adherence to professional standards.
Maintain complete and accurate client records and conduct periodic case audits.
Identify trends and recurring legal and social concerns, and recommend solutions and needed advocacy.
Attend immigration procedure training as assigned by the supervisor; may develop materials and conduct training sessions.