Staff Attorney, Immigration Court Helpdesk, NIJC

National Immigrant Justice Center•Chicago, IL

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) seeks an immigration attorney, including recent law graduates, to join its nationally recognized team. The Immigration Court Helpdesk (ICH) supports non-detained, unrepresented individuals and families in removal proceedings before the Chicago and Indianapolis Immigration Courts. The attorney guides and assists unrepresented individuals through removal proceedings, handling pro se matters independently and collaboratively at local and national levels. This hybrid role is based in Chicago. The attorney staffs the ICH in person at the Chicago Immigration Court and remotely on a rotating basis. They conduct legal assessments, provide legal orientation and advice, help participants prepare for hearings and pro se documents, and make referrals when appropriate. The attorney also develops case strategies, prepares filings for the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), responds to participant inquiries, maintains accurate records and reports, and works with NIJC colleagues and external partners. The role includes identifying emerging legal and social concerns, contributing to advocacy and special projects, participating in meetings and training, and adapting services to program and community needs. A small direct-representation caseload may be assigned if necessary. Candidates must have a Juris Doctor, proficiency in spoken and written Spanish, and proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications. They should demonstrate sound judgment, accurate and timely work, collaboration, clear and compassionate communication, an equity-centered approach, adaptability, client-service orientation, and problem-solving skills.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (JD).
Proficiency in spoken and written Spanish, including regular communication with clients in Spanish.
Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and SharePoint.
Ability to make thoughtful decisions that account for client needs, legal requirements, and NIJC's mission.
Strong attention to detail, time management, documentation, and organization.
Ability to communicate clearly and compassionately with clients, colleagues, and partners.
Ability to collaborate with attorneys, paralegals, pro bono partners, and community organizations.
Ability to adapt to changing policies, priorities, workflows, and client needs.
Empathy, patience, and professionalism when supporting clients navigating trauma or uncertainty.

Responsibilities

Staff the Immigration Court Helpdesk in person at the Chicago Immigration Court and remotely, in rotation with other ICH staff.
Conduct individual legal assessments with pro se participants, gathering relevant facts for legal orientation, advice, hearing preparation, document preparation, and referrals to other NIJC projects.
Recommend appropriate referrals for individuals who are not eligible for helpdesk services.
Develop and implement case strategies through independent research and writing and collaboration with colleagues.
Monitor the ICH hotline text messages and email inbox and respond to participant inquiries.
Prepare applications, motions, notices of appeal, and other documents for pro se participants to file with EOIR.
Remain current on immigration law, policies, and procedures.
Develop and maintain professional relationships with EOIR, government and social service organizations, and community organizations.
Maintain complete and accurate participant records and prepare timely statistical reports.
Collaborate with other NIJC projects on pro se matters.
Participate in Asylum Project and ICH meetings concerning procedures, data entry, case monitoring, case questions, trends, and training.
Participate in immigration-procedure training as assigned and conduct training sessions when assigned by the Supervisor.
Participate in developing and implementing special projects.
Identify trends and recurring legal and social concerns and recommend solutions and advocacy strategies.
Adapt to programmatic and community needs and carry a small direct-representation caseload if necessary.