Immigration Attorney, Hana Center

Immigratin Advocatres Network; Prospect Heights, Chicago (IL, IL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading non-profit organization in the Chicago area seeks a committed individual for a legal advocacy position focused on supporting immigrant communities. The ideal candidate should be proficient in immigration law and passionate about social justice, with skills in communication, problem-solving, and advocacy. Responsibilities include case management, supervising support staff, and collaborating with community partners. This role offers opportunities for professional development and meaningful community impact.

Qualifications

• At least 1 year practicing immigration law strongly preferred.
• Bilingual proficiency in Korean and/or Spanish is an asset.
• Experience with bond hearings and removal defense cases preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assess eligibility for immigrant relief and manage client applications.
• Advocate for clients before various government agencies.
• Supervise legal support staff and coordinate workshops for community education.

Skills

Commitment to immigrant rights

Empathic listening

Excellent communication

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Detail-oriented

Education

JD or equivalent qualification in law

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Google Suite

LawLogix

Job description

HANA Center (HANA) is a Chicago-area non-profit organization working to meet the critical needs of Korean, Asian American, and multiethnic immigrant communities and build power toward systemic change. HANA Center has offices in Chicago and Prospect Heights, Illinois.

HANA’s Immigration & Legal Services support 8,000 community members each year to access critical protections and build their legal capacity through completion of citizenship and DACA applications, participation in civic classes, pro bono legal consultation, Know Your Rights training, and legal representation for Adjustment of Status, VAWA, U-Visa, T-Visa, TPS, FOIA, consular processing, asylum, bond hearing, and removal defense cases.

Responsibilities:

Legal Services & Case Management:

• Assess community members’ eligibility for various forms of immigrant relief
• Assist community members with completion of appropriate applications and maintain communication regarding case status
• Supervise case management including but not limited to maintaining and reviewing client files, drafting cover letters, preparing and reviewing application packets
• Advocate for community members before USCIS, ICE, CBP, NVC, EOIR, and other government agencies
• Make appropriate referrals for immigration legal services beyond the scope of the program
• Maintain accurate, timely, and thorough completion of case notes and reporting
• Train non-legal and/or legal volunteers to complete applications when necessary
• Support monthly Legal Clinic, including developing and coordinating pro-bono attorneys
• Provide legal oversight at workshops when applicable
• Perform factual and legal research and continually monitor developments in immigration law and procedure, participating in required trainings

Administrative Support

• Supervise legal support staff and coordinate regular case review meetings
• Conduct strategic outreach to promote awareness about HANA’s programs
• Support staff to identify, train, and develop a growing network of informed and engaged Community Navigators
• Build relationships to foster collaborative opportunities with other HANA programs and external partners
• Oversee data collection and recording, keeping accurate and thorough client records in database
• Prepare clear and concise reports and assist with completing grant proposals and renewal applications
• Assist team members to identify and participate in relevant trainings and professional development activities
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Commitment to immigrant rights and social, economic, and racial justice
• A belief in communities’ ability to support each other, organize, and achieve desired goals together
• Experience working on Korean American, Asian American, immigrant community issues, and/or social, economic, and racial justice issues preferred
• At least 1 year practicing immigration law strongly preferred
• Bilingual proficiency in Korean and/or Spanish is an asset
• Experience in drafting affidavits pertaining to family-based cases and hardship waivers; experience with bond hearings and removal defense cases strongly preferred
• Experience communicating with clients and government agencies, such as USCIS, ICE, CBP, NVC, and EOIR, regarding immigration matters
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills; empathic listener sensitive to legal issues experienced by diverse immigrant communities
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and build relationships with people of diverse social, economic, racial/ethnic, and faith backgrounds
• Proactive self-starter with a solution-oriented mindset and willingness to take initiative Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to stay organized, manage a high volume workload, and work under strict deadlines Proficiency using Microsoft and Google suites; prior experience with LawLogix a plus
• Strong proofreading and detail-oriented research and writing skills
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from community members and the general public
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• A valid driver’s license, car, and car insurance strongly preferred
• Flexibility to work some evenings and weekends as required

How to Apply:

Applicants should submit a resume and cover letter at http://hanacenter.org/joinhana