Staff Immigration Attorney - IDPL (Citiz) PT

Institute For Latino Progress•Chicago, IL

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Staff Immigration Attorney at Instituto del Progreso Latino provides direct legal representation and immigration legal-service counseling to immigrants before EOIR, USCIS, DHS, ICE, CBP, and the BIA. The role focuses on adjustment of status, U visas, T visas, VAWA, removal defense, detained defense, and SIJS, among other immigration matters. It also provides technical support to pro bono counsel and works under the supervision of the Lead Staff Immigration Attorney. The attorney prepares cases for interviews and hearings, develops case strategies, supports pro bono attorneys and DOJ-accredited representatives, helps maintain training standards and materials, and monitors developments in immigration law, regulations, and policy. The position also includes community outreach, Know Your Rights presentations, workshops, supervision of intakes at off-site clinics, relationship-building with government and community organizations, and participation in required trainings and organizational events. Work is primarily performed in an office environment and may require extended and non-traditional hours.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate degree.
Licensed to practice law in good standing in at least one U.S. state.
At least one year of relevant experience.
Self-motivated and committed to civil liberties and immigration advocacy.
Ability to represent individuals in complex cases and formulate and implement sophisticated legal strategies.
Ability to work cooperatively on varied projects with lawyers, staff, community organizations, and coalitions.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate and communicate with others.
Ability to succeed in a fast-paced nonprofit start-up environment.
Excellent writing and analytical skills.
Ability to communicate effectively in legal and non-legal settings with a wide range of people and organizations.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional journals, technical procedures, and governmental regulations.
Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
Ability to present information effectively and respond to questions from groups, clients, customers, and the public.
Ability to stand for long periods, speak during group presentations, and operate standard business office equipment.
Ability to communicate and exchange information, prepare work documents, and set up and maintain work files.
Availability for extended and non-traditional hours and attendance at organization-sponsored events, trainings, and meetings.

Nice To Haves

Relevant experience in immigration and/or human rights law.
Immigration Court experience.
Fluency in Spanish.

Responsibilities

Prepare cases for interviews or hearings, including drafting legal papers, conducting client advocacy, presenting evidence, and screening detained and non-detained individuals.
Carry a caseload as required by the department and develop and implement case strategies.
Collaborate with and provide legal advice to pro bono attorneys and DOJ-accredited representatives on immigration law caseloads.
Develop and maintain training standards and materials for immigration staff and pro bono attorneys.
Monitor changes to immigration law, regulations, and policy, and prepare for significant changes and their impact on client services.
Represent Instituto at community functions and other events as requested.
Conduct Know Your Rights presentations and related workshops.
Supervise intakes at off-site immigration clinics hosted by partner organizations.
Provide technical support to pro bono counsel.
Remain current on immigration law, policies, procedures, and the implications of criminal and civil law for representing immigrants.
Develop and maintain professional relationships with immigration agencies, government and social service organizations, and community organizations.
Interpret immigration and department policies and programs to the public, including through public speaking.
Preserve client confidentiality, account for client monies, and avoid conflicts of interest in accordance with professional ethical standards.
Perform other responsibilities needed to support the success of Instituto's Immigration team.
Participate in required trainings assigned by funders, the direct supervisor, and the Director.