Senior Attorney, Asylum 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 over 100 attorneys, paralegals, and professionals, along with 2,000 pro bono attorneys, is at the forefront of immigration reform. Job Summary: The Senior Attorney in the Asylum Project will be assigned to the Immigration Court Helpdesk (ICH), supporting pro se noncitizens at the Chicago Immigration Court. In collaboration with the team, they will lead NIJC's response to the growing demand for asylum services through ICH, supervise staff, and assist asylum seekers. Responsibilities include conducting general and individual information sessions, self-help workshops, pro bono referrals, and occasionally appearing as a Friend of the Court. The role also involves non-ICH work, including direct representation in complex asylum cases and providing technical support to NIJC staff and pro bono counsel. The Senior Attorney advocates for clients in complex cases before administrative and service agencies as needed.

Requirements

A law degree (JD), license to practice law, and a minimum of two years' experience with a preference in immigration and/or human rights law
self-motivated and committed to civil liberties advocacy
ability to represent individuals in complex cases and to formulate and implement sophisticated legal strategies
demonstrated ability to work cooperatively on a variety of projects with lawyers, other staff members, and diverse community organizations and coalitions.
This position requires regular communication with clients in Spanish. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written Spanish .
Excellent writing and analytical skills
Ability to communicate effectively in legal and non-legal settings with a wide range of individuals and organizations.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret 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.
Proficient in Microsoft 365.

Responsibilities

Conducts preliminary intake interview, gathers all relevant facts, and makes legal assessments. Assesses income eligibility and makes appropriate referrals for those individuals not eligible for Organization services.
Develops and implements complex case strategies in consultation with supervisor.
Prepares cases for interview or hearing, including drafting legal papers, conducting client advocacy, presenting evidence, etc. in accordance with the Code of Professional Responsibility for the legal profession.
Carries a volume of work as required by the department.
Assists pro se noncitizens in the asylum process through one-on-one screenings, the ICH hotline, and by developing and implementing pro se clinics.
Has in-depth knowledge of legal and other resources.
Provides technical support to NIJC staff and pro bono counsel assigned to complex NIJC cases, as needed.
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.
Develops and maintains professional relationships with EOIR, DHS, U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS), government and social service organizations and community organizations as necessary. Interprets immigration and department policies and programs to the public, including public speaking and media interviews in conjunction with NIJC's communications team.
Maintains complete and accurate client records. Prepares timely statistical reports. Conducts quarterly case audits for presentation and review of the Supervisor.
Participates in training on immigration procedures as assigned by the Supervisor. May conduct training sessions and develop materials.
Identifies trends and recurring legal and social concerns. Recommends strategies for solutions and other needed advocacy.
Assists supervising attorneys in developing internal procedures and best practices and implementing those procedures within the project.
Participates in periodic evaluative reviews and/or in-house and external staff training to ensure that she/he understands and continues to adhere to such standards.
Advances an anti-racist organization that promotes diversity, equity and inclusion
Reacts to change productively and handles other essentials duties as assigned.