Staff Attorney Immigrant Legal Defense Program, NIJC

National Immigrant Justice Center; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) seeks an attorney to provide legal consultations, advice and representation to low-income immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers in Chicago and at off-site locations. Spanish fluency is required; the role involves outreach and collaboration with USCIS and other agencies.

Based in Chicago, this position advances NIJC’s mission to protect due process and human rights.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate required; one year of direct experience preferred in social service counseling and/or legal representation.
• Regular communication with clients in Spanish.
• Strong writing, editing, organizational, and computer skills.

Responsibilities

• Conducts preliminary intake interview, gathers facts for the unit meetings.
• Provides affirmative representation for clients before USCIS and defensive representation in removal proceedings.
• Develops and implements case strategy and drafts legal papers; consults with supervisor.
• Maintains complete and accurate client records and prepares timely statistical reports.
• Interprets and translates for department staff as needed; maintains professional relationships with agencies.

Skills

Spanish fluency

Writing skills

Organizational skills

Computer skills

Client service

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

Summary:

NIJC's Immigrant Legal Defense Project is seeking an attorney to provide 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. This staff attorney position requires Spanish fluency, ability to engage in community outreach, and provide legal consultations at off-site locations. The position is based in Chicago.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conducts preliminary intake interview, gathers all relevant facts for presentation at Unit meetings.
• Makes assessment of income eligibility and makes appropriate referrals for those individuals not eligible for Organization services. Recommends exceptions to financial guidelines to the Supervisor.
• Provides affirmative representation for clients seeking benefits before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and provides defensive representation for clients in removal proceedings.
• Develops and implements case strategy based on client circumstances and immigration law and procedures. Consults with supervisor throughout.
• Prepares the case for hearing, drafting legal papers, engaging in negotiation, presenting evidence, etc. in accordance with the Immigration Court Practice Manual and Code of Professional Responsibility for the legal profession.
• Conducts assessment of client based on social, psychological and economic functioning and determines appropriate interventions and referrals. Ensures the provision of a wide range of services for clients.
• Carries a volume of work as required by the department. Has in-depth knowledge of legal and other resources.
• Assists team in case management by processing mail and returning client phone calls on a rotating basis.
• 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 and refugees.
• Develops and maintains professional relationships with the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS), government and social service organizations and community organizations. Interprets immigration and department policies and programs to the public, including public speaking.
• Maintains complete and accurate client records. Prepares timely statistical reports. Conducts regular case audits for presentation and review of the Supervisor.
• Participates in training on immigration procedures as assigned by the Supervisor. May conduct training sessions as assigned by the Supervisor.
• Participates in developing and implementing special projects and may have the primary responsibility for a project involving presentation of a particular ethnic group, immigration problem or advocacy issues on a systematic level.
• Identifies trends and recurring legal and social concerns. Recommends strategies for solutions and other needed advocacy.
• Interprets and translates for department and other Organization staff as needed.
• Adheres 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/or in-house and external staff training to ensure that she/he understands and continues to adhere to such standards. Initiates requests for assistance or guidance from Supervisor to address new issues or complex concepts affecting adherence to professional standards.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Core Competencies:

• Strategic Thinking and Judgment - Makes thoughtful, informed decisions that consider client needs, legal requirements, and NIJC's mission. Understands how day‑to‑day work connects to broader organizational goals.
• Operational Excellence - Delivers accurate, timely, and well‑organized work. Maintains strong documentation practices and follows processes that support high‑quality legal services.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration - Works effectively with attorneys, paralegals, pro bono partners, and community organizations. Shares information, communicates clearly, and contributes to a supportive team environment.
• Equity-Centered Decision-Making - Approaches decisions with fairness, awareness, and respect for the lived experiences of immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. Identifies and avoids barriers that could impact access to services.
• Communication and Influence - Communicates clearly and compassionately with clients, colleagues, and partners.
• Change Navigation and Adaptability - Responds effectively to shifting policies, priorities, and client needs. Maintains flexibility in a fast‑paced environment and adjusts workflows as circumstances evolve.
• Client Service Orientation - Demonstrates empathy, patience, and professionalism, especially when clients are navigating trauma or uncertainty.
• Problem Solving and Continuous Improvement - Identifies issues early, proposes solutions, and looks for ways to strengthen processes. Seeks feedback and uses it to improve the quality and impact of their work.

Qualifications:

• Education and/or Experience: Juris Doctorate Degree required; and one year of direct experience preferred in social service counseling and/or legal representation.
• This position requires regular communication with clients in Spanish. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written Spanish.
• Strong writing, editing, organizational, and computer skills required. Ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently and perform well under strict deadlines.

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.

For any technical issues please contact [e-mail].