Senior Attorney NIJC

National Immigrant Justice Center; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) seeks multiple Senior Attorney positions to provide legal consultations, advice, and representation for low-income immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. The roles involve advocacy before federal agencies and collaboration with pro bono counsel, with a focus on complex cases and training aspects.

The positions require a Juris Doctorate, strong Spanish language proficiency, and a commitment to civil liberties.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate required; admission to practice law.
• Fluent English; strong writing and analytical skills.
• Ability to solve practical problems and interpret complex information.

Responsibilities

• Lead client representation in immigration matters before DHS, DOS, and DOJ.
• Develop and implement sophisticated legal strategies and case plans.
• Prepare and file legal papers, draft motions, and advocate for clients at hearings.
• Maintain client records and produce timely statistical reports.

Skills

Public speaking

Interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Time management

Advocacy

Strategic thinking

Education

Juris Doctorate

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.

Job Summary

The National Immigrant Justice Center seeks to fill several Senior Attorney roles across our organization, providing legal consultations, advice and representation to low-income immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers before the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Department of State, and U.S. Department of Justice. The position also provides technical support to pro bono counsel assigned to complex NIJC cases. A senior attorney advocates for clients in complex cases before government administrative agencies and service agencies as needed and/or as appropriate.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct preliminary intake interview, gather all relevant facts for presentation at Unit meetings.
• Make assessment of income eligibility and make appropriate referrals for those individuals not eligible for Organization services.
• Develop and implement complex case strategies in consultation with supervisor.
• Prepare 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.
• Carry a volume of work as required by the department. Has in-depth knowledge of legal and other resources. Provides technical support to pro bono counsel assigned to complex NIJC cases.
• Remain current on immigration law, policies and procedures. Remain current on implications of criminal and civil law as it applies to representation of immigrants.
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with EOIR, DHS, USCIS, government and social service organizations and community organizations as necessary. Interpret immigration and department policies and programs to the public, including public speaking.
• In accordance with the ethical standards required of the legal profession, the Code of Professional Responsibility preserves client confidentiality, accounts for client monies and avoids conflicts of interest.
• Maintain complete and accurate client records. Prepare timely statistical reports. Conduct quarterly case audits for presentation and review of the Supervisor.
• Participate in training on immigration procedures as assigned by the Supervisor. May conduct training sessions as assigned by the Supervisor.
• Identify trends and recurring legal and social concerns. Recommend strategies for solutions and other needed advocacy.
• Adhere to professional standards as outlined by governmental bodies, (and/or other appropriate professional associations), private funding sources, Organization plans/policies and Unit guidelines. Participate in periodic evaluative reviews and/or in‑house and external staff training to ensure she/he understands and continues to adhere to such standards. Initiate requests for assistance or guidance from Supervisor to address new issues or complex concepts affecting adherence to professional standards.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Projects We’re Currently Hiring For

• Immigrant Legal Defense (Spanish required) – NIJC's Immigrant Legal Defense project offers a wide range of legal services to low‑income immigrants seeking to apply for lawful permanent residence (green cards), citizenship, visas, and other legal protection from deportation.
• Asylum – NIJC provides free legal representation to asylum seekers fleeing persecution in their homelands.
• Detention Project – The Detention Project provides legal orientation and representation to immigrant adults held by the Department of Homeland Security/Immigration and Customs Enforcement in immigration detention in Illinois, Wisconsin, Kentucky, and Indiana.
• Litigation – Work on federal litigation cases and collaborate with NIJC's communication, policy, and litigation teams and pro bono attorneys.

Skills and Competencies

• Maintain complete and accurate client records.
• Participate in training on immigration procedures as assigned by the Supervisor. May conduct training sessions and develop materials assigned by the Supervisor.
• Identify trends and recurring legal and social concerns. Recommend 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: Juris Doctorate Degree required; at least three years of practicing law 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.
• Language Skills: High proficiency or fluency in Spanish required. 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 draft reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
• 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.

How to Apply

Please provide the following:

1. Your resume.
2. A brief cover letter that highlights your interest in this role, why the work resonates with you, and any experience that connects to NIJC's mission and responsibilities of the position.

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.
• Must constantly operate 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].

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.