Staff Attorney, NIJC Indiana

National Immigrant Justice Center•Indianapolis, IN

13d

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 (Goshen and Indianapolis), and San Diego, NIJC's team of 150 attorneys, paralegals, and professionals, along with 2,000 pro bono attorneys, is at the forefront of immigration reform. NIJC is seeking a Spanish-speaking staff attorney to be based at our Indianapolis or Goshen office. This attorney will work on matters involving detained and non-detained immigrants, including removal defense and affirmative matters. The attorney will visit detention centers in Indiana to conduct legal orientations. If based in Indianapolis, the attorney will support NIJC's Immigration Court Helpdesk at the Indianapolis Immigration Court. 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; must be licensed in any state or planning to take next available bar exam
Ability to read, speak and write in Spanish.
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.
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.
Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time.
The person in this position occasionally needs to move about the inside of the office to access filing cabinets, office machinery, etc.
Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a copy machine.

Nice To Haves

one year of direct related experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Conducts preliminary intake interview, gathers all relevant facts for case assessment.
Makes assessments of income eligibility and makes appropriate referrals for those individuals not eligible for NIJC services.
Develops and implements preliminary case strategy in terms of immigration law and procedure. Develops further strategy in consultation with supervisor.
Prepares cases for adjudication, drafting legal papers, presenting evidence, etc. in accordance with the Code of Professional Responsibility for the legal profession. Adheres to professional standards.
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.
Supports and presents legal orientations for detained immigrants. Conducts other community outreach and education.
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 reports. Conducts regular case audits for presentation and review by supervisor.
Participates in training on immigration procedures as assigned by 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.