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National Immigrant Justice Center

Senior Attorney, Detention/Litigation NIJC Indianapolis

National Immigrant Justice Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, us, 46262

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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 senior attorney

will be based in Indianapolis and will focus on matters involving detained immigrants and

may engage in federal litigation, including habeas petitions

. T

h

is position involves regular travel to detention facilities

.

The

position provides legal representation and immigration legal service counseling to immigrants appearing before the

federal courts, the

Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR

)

and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The position also provides technical support to pro bono counsel assigned to complex NIJC cases. A senior attorney advocates for clients on complex cases before government administrative agencies and service agencies, as needed and/or as

ap

propriate

. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Conducts regular visits to immigration detention facilities for client representation, conditions

monitoring

and, where possible, Know Your Rights presentations. Supports federal litigation on behalf of detained immigrants and supports limited representation and pro se support of immigrants appearing without counsel befo

re the Indianapolis Immigration Court. 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. Develops and implements complex case strategies in consultation with supervisor. Prepares 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. Carries 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. 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. Develops and

maintains

professional relationships with EOIR, DHS, U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS), government and social service organizations and community

organizations

as necessary. Interprets immigration and department policies and programs to the public, including public speaking. In accord with the ethical standards required of the legal profession, the Code of Professional Responsibility preserves client confidentiality, accounts for client monies and avoids

conflict

of interest. Maintains complete and

accurate

client records. Prepares

timely

statistical reports.

Conducts quarterly 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. Identifies trends and recurring legal and social concerns. Recommends strategies for solutions and other needed advocacy. 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.

Qualifications

: Education and/or Experience:

Juris Doctorate Degree

required

; and 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. 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

operating

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. 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.

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