Supervising Attorney Asylum Project NIJC

National Immigrant Justice Center•Chicago, IL

About The Position

The National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) seeks a human rights or immigration attorney with at least three years of experience to join its Asylum Project as a Supervising Attorney. NIJC advances human rights and due process for immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers through direct legal services, impact litigation, advocacy, and public education. The organization is headquartered in Chicago and has offices in Washington, DC, Indiana, and San Diego. Attorneys in NIJC’s Asylum Project represent detained and non-detained asylum seekers, especially individuals facing removal. The Supervising Attorney manages a team of attorneys, paralegals, and/or coordinators; ensures high-quality legal services; supports casework; and oversees intake for individuals and families. The role collaborates with management, litigation, policy, communications, and other teams, and requires independent and collaborative work locally and nationally. The position conducts intake and legal assessments, develops complex case strategies, prepares cases for interviews and hearings, and provides legal support to clients, pro bono counsel, and NIJC staff. It also contributes to training, case audits, internal procedures, advocacy strategies, and public communication. The successful candidate will bring meticulous attention to detail, clear communication, effective time management, and a commitment to immigrant advocacy and an anti-racist organization that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (JD) degree and license to practice law.
At least three years of experience; immigration and/or human rights law experience is preferred.
High proficiency or fluency in Spanish.
Self-motivated and committed to immigrant advocacy and civil liberties advocacy.
Ability to represent individuals in complex cases and formulate and implement sophisticated legal strategies.
Ability to work cooperatively on varied projects with lawyers, other staff, diverse community organizations, and coalitions.
Strong writing, analytical, public-speaking, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to simplify complex concepts for nonspecialist audiences and 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, and to present information and respond to questions from managers, clients, customers, and the public.
Ability to solve practical problems in situations with limited standardization and interpret written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule-based instructions.
Proficiency in Microsoft 365.
Meticulous attention to detail, clear communication, and effective time management.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and adapt quickly to change.
Ability to build and maintain productive relationships with internal colleagues and external partners.

Nice To Haves

Experience in immigration law and/or human rights law.

Responsibilities

Conduct preliminary intake interviews, gather relevant facts, and make legal assessments.
Assess income eligibility and refer individuals who are not eligible for NIJC services to appropriate resources.
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 standards.
Provide limited-scope legal orientation, advice, hearing preparation, and document preparation for pro se individuals.
Carry a caseload as required by the department.
Maintain in-depth knowledge of legal and other resources.
Provide technical support to NIJC staff and pro bono counsel assigned to complex NIJC cases.
Stay current on immigration law, policies, and procedures, and on the implications of criminal and civil law for representing immigrants.
Develop and maintain professional relationships with EOIR, DHS, USCIS, government and social service organizations, and community organizations as necessary.
Explain immigration and department policies and programs to the public, including through public speaking and media interviews with NIJC’s communications team.
Maintain complete and accurate client records and prepare timely statistical reports.
Conduct quarterly case audits for supervisor presentation and review.
Participate in assigned training on immigration procedures and, as needed, conduct training sessions and develop training materials.
Identify trends and recurring legal and social concerns and recommend solutions and other 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.