Supervising Attorney Asylum Project NIJC

National Immigrant Justice Center•Chicago, IL

10d

About The Position

The National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) seeks a human rights or immigration attorney to join its Asylum Project as a supervising attorney. The position manages a team of lawyers, paralegals, and/or coordinators; ensures high-quality legal services; supports casework; and oversees intake of individuals and families. The supervisor collaborates with management, litigation, policy, communications, and other teams. The Asylum Project represents detained and non-detained asylum seekers, especially people facing removal. The attorney represents clients in complex matters, develops legal strategies, provides technical support to NIJC staff and pro bono counsel, and may provide limited-scope services to pro se individuals. The role also contributes to project procedures, training, advocacy, and organizational efforts to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (JD) degree and license to practice law.
At least three years of experience.
High proficiency or fluency in Spanish.
Ability to represent individuals in complex cases and formulate and implement sophisticated legal strategies.
Strong writing, analytical, public speaking, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to explain complex concepts to nonspecialist audiences.
Ability to communicate effectively in legal and non-legal settings with diverse individuals and organizations.
Ability to interpret professional journals, technical procedures, and governmental regulations, and to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
Ability to solve practical problems and interpret varied written, oral, diagrammatic, or scheduled instructions.
Proficiency in Microsoft 365.
Meticulous attention to detail, clear communication, and effective time management.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, adapt to change, and build productive relationships with colleagues and external partners.
Self-motivation and commitment to immigrant advocacy and civil liberties.

Nice To Haves

Experience in immigration law and/or human rights law is preferred.

Responsibilities

Conduct preliminary intake interviews, gather relevant facts, make legal assessments, assess income eligibility, and refer individuals who are not eligible for NIJC services.
Develop and implement complex case strategies in consultation with a supervisor.
Supervise attorneys, coordinators, and paralegals as required by departmental needs.
Prepare cases for interviews or hearings, including drafting legal papers, conducting client advocacy, and presenting evidence in accordance with professional responsibility requirements.
Provide limited-scope legal orientation, legal advice, hearing preparation, and document preparation for pro se individuals, while carrying a caseload as required.
Provide technical support to NIJC staff and pro bono counsel assigned to complex NIJC cases.
Remain current on immigration law, policies, and procedures, as well as relevant implications of criminal and civil law.
Develop and maintain professional relationships with EOIR, DHS, USCIS, government and social service organizations, and community organizations as necessary.
Interpret immigration and departmental policies and programs for the public, including through public speaking and media interviews with NIJC's communications team.
Maintain complete and accurate client records, prepare timely statistical reports, and conduct quarterly case audits for supervisor review.
Participate in assigned training on immigration procedures and, as needed, conduct training sessions and develop materials.
Identify trends and recurring legal and social concerns and recommend solutions and advocacy strategies.
Assist the managing attorney in developing internal procedures and best practices and implementing them within the project.
Participate in periodic evaluative reviews and in-house or external staff training to understand and adhere to applicable standards.
Advance an anti-racist organization that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Adapt to change and perform other essential duties as assigned.