Senior Attorney, Detention Team, NIJC

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:

This position provides legal representation and counseling to immigrants and asylum-seekers appearing before the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with a focus on representation of individuals in DHS custody in their bond and removal proceedings and appeals before the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). Legal representation may also include work on federal habeas corpus petitions challenging the legality of clients' detention and detention conditions. The position also provides technical support to pro bono counsel assigned to NIJC cases, both locally and nationally. The Senior Attorney will serve as a mentor to junior staff, as well as the development of new initiatives or projects within the team

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conducts preliminary intake interviews and assesses income eligibility to make appropriate referrals for those individuals not eligible for Organization services. Recommends exceptions to financial guidelines to the Supervisor.
• Prepares cases for hearing by drafting legal papers, engaging in negotiation, presenting evidence, etc.
• Conducts assessment of clients' 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 cases as required by the department.
• With the Supervisor and NIJC Pro Bono Manager, prepares cases for recruitment of pro bono counsel, and provides technical support to pro bono counsel assigned to NIJC cases, locally and nationally.
• Maintains complete and accurate client records, prepares timely statistical reports, and conducts quarterly case audits for presentation.
• 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.

Competencies:

• Develops and implements preliminary case strategy, further developing strategy with supervisor.
• Develops and maintains professional relationships with EOIR, DHS, U.S. CitizenshipImmigration Services (USCIS), government and social service organizations and community organizations as necessary.
• Interprets immigration and department policies and programs to the public, including through public speaking engagements or training.
• 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 conflict of interest.
• Identifies trends and recurring legal and social concerns. Recommends strategies for solutions and other needed advocacy.

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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Education and/or Experience: A law degree (JD), license to practice law and at least 3 years' experience in the legal field, preferably in the field of immigration law, with a focus on removal defense. Salary placement within the established range is based on the relevance and depth of experience in accordance with organizational compensation guidelines
• Language Skills:Fluency in English is required. Spanish fluency preferred. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Demonstrated competency in public speaking and strong interpersonal skills required. Additional non-English language skills are preferred.
• Technical 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.

How to Apply

Please Include: Your resume and a compelling cover letter, including why you are interested in this specific role and in working for NIJC. How your unique skills and experience will enable you to make a significant impact on our team and help us achieve our mission. A specific, brief example of a project or accomplishment from your past that best demonstrates your relevant qualifications.

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 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. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will berequiredto 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 contactrecruiting@immigrantjustice.org