Staff Attorney LGBTQ Project, NIJC

National Immigrant Justice Center•Chicago, IL

20d

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 over 100 attorneys, paralegals, and professionals, along with 2,000 pro bono attorneys, is at the forefront of immigration reform. NIJC seeks a staff attorney with all years of experience to join the LGBTQ Immigrant Rights Initiative. This position offers legal services to low-income immigrants who identify as LGBTQ or who are living with HIV. Staff attorneys must be attentive to detail, thorough, and organized; communicate clearly and accurately, verbally and in writing; have strong time management skills which can concurrently manage multiple matters, delivering each in a timely manner.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate Degree required, and all years of experience encouraged to apply.
Self-motivated and committed to civil liberties and LGBTQ advocacy; ability to represent individuals in complex cases and to formulate and implement sophisticated legal strategies.
This position requires assisting customers in Spanish. Spoken and written Spanish speaking ability is required.
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 read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the public.

Responsibilities

Conducts preliminary intake interview, gathers all relevant facts for presentation at Unit meetings.
Makes assessments of income eligibility and makes appropriate referrals for those individuals not eligible for Organization services.
Develops and implements preliminary case strategy in terms of immigration law and procedure. Develops further strategy in consultation with supervisor.
Prepares cases for hearing, drafting legal papers, engaging in negotiation, presenting evidence, etc. in accordance with the Code of Professional Responsibility for the legal profession. Adheres to professional standards.
Conducts assessments of client's 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. Has in-depth knowledge of legal and other resources. Provides a wide range of court advocacy services.
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 and refugees.
Maintains complete and accurate client records. Prepares timely statistical reports. Conducts quarterly case audits for presentation and review of the Supervisor.
Participates in training on immigration procedures as assigned by the Supervisor.
Participates in developing, implementing, or leading special projects. Identifies trends and recurring legal and social concerns. Recommends strategies for solutions and other needed advocacy.
Interprets and translates for department and other Organization staff as needed.
Other duties as assigned.