Senior Attorney Asylum Project NIJC

National Immigrant Justice Center; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) seeks a senior attorney to provide legal representation and immigration counseling before EOIR and DHS, including complex asylum matters. The role includes direct support to pro bono counsel and creating training materials for ongoing education.

The attorney will mentor pro bono teams, ensure compliance with current law, and stay updated on policy changes. Strong writing and public speaking skills required; Spanish preferred.

Qualifications

• JD required and bar admission in the United States.
• Excellent writing and communication skills.
• Ability to mentor and train pro bono counsel.
• Strong organizational and case-management abilities.
• Spanish language skills preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal representation and counseling before EOIR and DHS.
• Offer technical assistance to pro bono counsel and develop training materials.
• Mentor staff and conduct case consultations; ensure data entry accuracy.
• Review cases for legal accuracy and strategic alignment.
• Lead trainings and present complex immigration law concepts.
• Develop complex case strategies in consultation with supervisors.
• Manage a substantial caseload and prepare for interviews/hearings.
• Remain current on immigration law, policies, and procedures.
• Adhere to professional standards and organizational guidelines.

Skills

Legal research

Written communication

Public speaking

Mentoring

Case management

Spanish (preferred)

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

About NIJC

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.

Summary:

NIJC seeks a senior attorney to provide legal representation and immigration legal service counseling to immigrants appearing before the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with a focus on the representation of complex cases involving asylum seekers, including children, families, and adults. This senior attorney will both provide direct technical assistance to pro bono counsel assigned to NIJC cases and develop training materials for pro bono attorneys.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide technical support to NIJC pro bono counsel assigned to NIJC cases.
• Develop samples and trainings materials to provide guidance on best practices in representation before USCIS and the immigration court.
• Ensure consistent application of immigration law best practices through mentoring, case consultation, staff training, and regular case audits.
• Review cases for legal accuracy, strategic alignment, and compliance with current law; ensure timely and accurate data entry to meet program and funding requirements.
• Support the recruitment, training, and supervision of pro bono attorneys to expand service capacity.
• Present key concepts and best practices in immigration law at live trainings.
• Develop and implement complex case strategies in consultation with supervisor.
• Carry a volume of work as required by the department.
• As needed, prepare cases for interview or hearing, including drafting legal papers, conducting client advocacy, presenting evidence, etc. in accord with the Code of Professional Responsibility for the legal profession.
• Have in-depth knowledge of legal and other resources.
• Remain current on immigration law, policies and procedures. Remain current on implications of criminal and civil law as it applies to the representation of immigrants
• Adhere to professional standards as outlined by governmental bodies, (and/or other appropriate professional associations), private funding sources, Organization plans/policies and Unit guidelines. Participates in periodic evaluative reviews and in-house and external staff training to ensure adherence to such standards. Initiates requests for assistance or guidance from Supervisor to address new issues or complex concepts affecting adherence to professional standards.

Skills and Competencies

• Maintains complete and accurate client records. Conduct periodic case audits.
• Strong writing skills, including the ability to simplify complicated concepts for a nonspecialist audience.
• Attend training regarding immigration procedures as assigned by the Supervisor. May be asked to develop material and conduct training sessions.
• Identifies trends and recurring legal and social concerns. Recommends strategies for solutions and other needed advocacy.
• Ability to thrive in fast-paced environments and adapt quickly to change.
• Self-motivated and committed to immigrant advocacy.
• Ability to build and maintain productive relationships with colleagues internally and outside of the organization.
• Meticulous attention to detail, clear communication, and effective time management.
• Excellent public speaking and interpersonal skills.

Qualifications:

• Education and/or Experience: A law degree (JD), license to practice law in the United States, and a minimum of three years' experience in immigration law. Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively on a variety of projects with lawyers, other staff members, and law firms.
• Language Skills: Spanish fluency is preferred but not required. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Reasoning Ability: 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. Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, work independently, and collaborate effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Computer Skills: Proficient in Microsoft 365.

Physical Abilities Statement

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time.
• The person in this position occasionally needs to move about the inside of the office to access filing cabinets, office machinery, etc.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a copy machine.

It is the policy of NIJC not to discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of age, color, sex, disability, national origin, race, religion, or veteran status. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

For any technical issues please contact [e-mail]