Senior Attorney II-NIJC Litigation Team

National Immigrant Justice Center; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) in Chicago seeks a senior litigation attorney II with a strong federal court litigation background and a deep commitment to immigrant and civil rights. The role emphasizes diverse federal and appellate work, including class actions and systemic reform.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years in the legal field, with preference for experience in federal court practice and immigration removal defense.

Qualifications

• JD degree, bar license, and at least 5 years of legal experience.
• Experience in federal court practice, immigration removal defense preferred.
• English fluency required; Spanish encouraged.
• Excellent oral and written communication; public speaking experience.
• Ability to interpret instructions and reason through practical problems.

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research and analysis to support litigation efforts.
• Draft pleadings, briefs, motions, and other legal documents.
• Manage discovery processes, motion practice, and trial preparation.
• Represent clients in trials and appeals in state and federal courts.
• Serve as lead or co-lead counsel on complex litigation including class actions.
• Develop and implement advocacy strategies in identified areas of focus.
• Provide immigration-court level representation when needed.
• Collaborate with direct service, policy, and communications teams.

Skills

Oral advocacy

Communication skills

Legal judgment

Independent work

Collaboration

Caseload management

Public speaking

English fluency

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Bar admission

Tools

Microsoft Office

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 100 attorneys, paralegals, and professionals, along with 2,000 pro bono attorneys, is at the forefront of immigration reform.

Job Summary

Our senior litigation attorney II is a full-time position focusing on federal-court litigation. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in litigation, including federal litigation, and demonstrate a commitment to immigrant and civil rights. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to innovative litigation and policy advocacy within the federal courts, including both district courts and courts of appeal. Applicants must have at least 5 years' experience, but the ideal candidate would have substantially more exp e rience.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research and analysis to support litigation efforts.
• Draft pleadings, briefs, motions, and other legal documents.
• Manage discovery processes, motion practice, and trial preparation.
• Represent clients in trials and appeals in both state and federal courts.
• Serve as lead counsel or co-lead counsel on complex litigation cases, including class action lawsuits and systemic reform cases.
• Develop and implement effective advocacy strategies in identified areas of focus.
• As necessary, provide immigration-court level representation in relevant litigation matters, such as representing a named plaintiff in a district court action tied to their immigration case.
• Collaborate with the organization's direct service, policy, and communications teams to ensure integrated advocacy efforts.
• Work with pro bono attorneys and other nonprofit organizations to further the efforts of various litigation matters and to advance the organization’s mission and goals.

Skills and Competencies

• Ability to thrive in fast-pace environments and adapt quickly to change.
• Effectively manages cases ensuring accuracy, efficiency and timely decision-making in a fast-pace, deadline-driven environment.
• Stays up to date on current knowledge regarding immigration laws, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to analyze the impact of laws on vulnerable populations and advocate for improved laws and policies.
• Exhibits sound, independent legal judgment, and the ability to work autonomously while maintaining strong collaborative relationships with teammates, supervisors, and cross functional teams.
• Strong oral advocacy and communication skills.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Education and/or Experience: A law degree (JD), license to practice law and at least 5 years' experience in the legal field, preferably in the field of federal court practice, immigration removal defense, or a combination of the two. Applicants with significantly more experience are encouraged to apply, and total years of relevant experience will be considered as part of the final salary determination.
• Language Skills: Fluency in English is required. Fluency in Spanish is strongly encouraged but not required. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Demonstrated competency in public speaking and strong interpersonal skills required.
• Computer Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Windows operating systems.
• Reasoning Ability: 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.

Physical Abilities Statement

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of thos e an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations 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.

By submitting your application, you acknowledge and consent to undergo a comprehensive background check as part of the employment process. This background check will be conducted in compliance with applicable state and federal laws.