National Immigrant Justice Center
Staff Attorney Immigrant Legal Defense Program, NIJC
National Immigrant Justice Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290
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 includes attorneys, paralegals, and professionals, along with 2,000 pro bono attorneys. 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. Responsibilities
Conduct preliminary intake interviews and gather relevant facts for presentation at Unit meetings. Assess income eligibility and make appropriate referrals for individuals not eligible for organization services; recommend exceptions to financial guidelines to the Supervisor. Provide affirmative representation for clients seeking benefits before USCIS and for clients in removal proceedings, and provide defensive representation where appropriate. Develop and implement case strategy based on client circumstances and immigration law; consult with supervisor throughout. Prepare cases for hearing, including drafting legal papers, negotiating, and presenting evidence in accord with the Immigration Court Practice Manual and Code of Professional Responsibility. Assess clients’ social, psychological and economic functioning and determine appropriate interventions and referrals; ensure the provision of a wide range of services for clients. Manage a volume of work as required; maintain in-depth knowledge of legal resources. Assist the team with case management by processing mail and returning client calls on a rotating basis. Remain current on immigration law, policies, and procedures; understand implications of criminal and civil law as it applies to immigrants and refugees. Develop and maintain professional relationships with USCIS, government and social service organizations, and community organizations; interpret policies and programs to the public, including public speaking. Maintain accurate client records; prepare timely statistical reports; conduct regular case audits for supervisor review. Participate in trainings on immigration procedures; may conduct training sessions as assigned by the Supervisor. Participate in developing and implementing special projects; may lead a project involving presentation of a particular ethnic group, immigration issues, or advocacy on a systematic level. Identify trends and recurring legal and social concerns; recommend strategies for solutions and advocacy. Interpret and translate for department and staff as needed. Adhere to professional standards as outlined by governmental bodies and/or professional associations, private funding sources, and organizational policies; participate in evaluative reviews and training; seek guidance from Supervisor on new issues. Other duties may be assigned. Qualifications
Education and/or Experience:
Juris Doctorate Degree; and one year of direct experience preferred in social service counseling and/or legal representation. Language Skills:
Fluency in English and Spanish required; excellent oral and written communication skills; public speaking and interpersonal skills; additional non-English language skills preferred. Computer Skills:
Proficiency in Microsoft Office. Reasoning Ability:
Ability to solve practical problems and handle a variety of concrete variables; ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Physical Abilities
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those encountered 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. Occasional movement within the office to access filing cabinets, office machinery, etc. Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery. 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
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 includes attorneys, paralegals, and professionals, along with 2,000 pro bono attorneys. 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. Responsibilities
Conduct preliminary intake interviews and gather relevant facts for presentation at Unit meetings. Assess income eligibility and make appropriate referrals for individuals not eligible for organization services; recommend exceptions to financial guidelines to the Supervisor. Provide affirmative representation for clients seeking benefits before USCIS and for clients in removal proceedings, and provide defensive representation where appropriate. Develop and implement case strategy based on client circumstances and immigration law; consult with supervisor throughout. Prepare cases for hearing, including drafting legal papers, negotiating, and presenting evidence in accord with the Immigration Court Practice Manual and Code of Professional Responsibility. Assess clients’ social, psychological and economic functioning and determine appropriate interventions and referrals; ensure the provision of a wide range of services for clients. Manage a volume of work as required; maintain in-depth knowledge of legal resources. Assist the team with case management by processing mail and returning client calls on a rotating basis. Remain current on immigration law, policies, and procedures; understand implications of criminal and civil law as it applies to immigrants and refugees. Develop and maintain professional relationships with USCIS, government and social service organizations, and community organizations; interpret policies and programs to the public, including public speaking. Maintain accurate client records; prepare timely statistical reports; conduct regular case audits for supervisor review. Participate in trainings on immigration procedures; may conduct training sessions as assigned by the Supervisor. Participate in developing and implementing special projects; may lead a project involving presentation of a particular ethnic group, immigration issues, or advocacy on a systematic level. Identify trends and recurring legal and social concerns; recommend strategies for solutions and advocacy. Interpret and translate for department and staff as needed. Adhere to professional standards as outlined by governmental bodies and/or professional associations, private funding sources, and organizational policies; participate in evaluative reviews and training; seek guidance from Supervisor on new issues. Other duties may be assigned. Qualifications
Education and/or Experience:
Juris Doctorate Degree; and one year of direct experience preferred in social service counseling and/or legal representation. Language Skills:
Fluency in English and Spanish required; excellent oral and written communication skills; public speaking and interpersonal skills; additional non-English language skills preferred. Computer Skills:
Proficiency in Microsoft Office. Reasoning Ability:
Ability to solve practical problems and handle a variety of concrete variables; ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Physical Abilities
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those encountered 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. Occasional movement within the office to access filing cabinets, office machinery, etc. Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery. 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr