Supervising Attorney LGBTQ Project, NIJC

National Immigrant Justice Center•Chicago, IL

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 100 attorneys, paralegals, and professionals, along with 2,000 pro bono attorneys, is at the forefront of immigration reform. Summary: The Legal Supervisor supervises a legal team and provides legal representation and counseling to non-detained immigrants seeking asylum before the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), and the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). The person in this role will supervise a team of attorneys and paralegals in the direct representation of individuals seeking asylum, and ensure quality legal counsel and representation, provide case support, and oversee the day-to-day operations, as well as the ongoing training and professional development of supervisees. As a member of NIJC's supervisory team, the supervisor will on occasion collaborate with NIJC's other legal services projects, pro bono partners, litigation, policy and communications teams. Individual accountability and work volume will be established through the development of annual Success Objectives.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate, license to practice law and at least 2 years' experience in the legal field, preferably in the field of immigration law; or a bachelor's degree with at least 3 years' experience as a Department of Justice accredited representative.
This position requires regular communication with clients in Spanish. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written Spanish
Strong reading and writing skills, including the ability to interpret legal and technical materials, is required.
Computer Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Outlook/Exchange.
May be required to have a current, valid IL Driver's License.
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.

Nice To Haves

Previous supervisory experience preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Supervises legal services and oversees paralegals, attorneys, interns and support staff providing legal services; including the development of case strategy, preparation, and representation before governmental agencies.
Ensure accurate data entry by paralegals, attorneys, and interns.
Oversees and reviews legal intakes; makes legal assessments and determinations regarding representation.
Ensure timely case preparation, including case opening process, preparing filings, trial preparation, appeals, case closures, and other case management practices.
Works with a supervisory team to build a strong team and oversee the team's projects.
Provides recommendations based on case trends to inform project-based strategic decisions.
Maintains and develops strategic partnerships with key stakeholders.
Conducts factual and legal research.
Provides legal representation to immigrants in immigration proceedings, including before an immigration officer, an immigration judge, and before the Board of Immigration Appeals as appropriate.
Drafts correspondence and documents, including applications, briefs, and reports.
Improves delivery of legal services, including the use of technology to improve efficiency.
Conducts legal presentations regarding law and case(s) to NIJC staff and members of the immigrant community.
Maintains accurate, thorough, and timely records.
Identifies trends and emerging issues and responses to issues.
Maintains current knowledge regarding immigration laws, policies and procedures.
Advances an anti-racist organization that promotes diversity, equity and inclusion
Reacts to change productively and handle other essentials duties as assigned.
Participates in training on immigration procedures as assigned by the Supervisor. May conduct training sessions as assigned by the Supervisor.
Participates in developing and implementing special projects.
Identifies trends and recurring legal and social concerns. Recommends strategies for solutions and other needed advocacy.