Immigration Program Attorney

Position Summary

Irish Community Services seeks a community-minded immigration attorney to lead a blend of legal services and community-based programming, while playing a leadership role in the continued development of the organization’s immigration program capacity.

This distinctive position—combining direct immigration services with program development and community education—is ideal for an immigration attorney who is passionate about expanding access to legal information and empowering immigrants through education.

The Immigration Program Attorney will provide direct immigration services focused on a range of high-demand immigration matters, including U.S. citizenship screenings and applications, green card renewals, and removal of conditions petitions. The role will also support the development and delivery of immigration education initiatives, including workshops, presentations, and community outreach designed to help immigrants better understand their options and successfully navigate the immigration process.

The successful candidate will play an important role in expanding access to reliable immigration information and legal support while helping shape the future growth of ICS’s immigration services. As ICS continues to develop its immigration services capacity, the attorney will contribute expertise and leadership in identifying opportunities to expand services, strengthen community education efforts, oversee support staff and volunteers, and develop sustainable models for increasing access to immigration support.

The Immigration Program Attorney will provide legal consultations and limited-scope immigration assistance within the parameters of program services. The role is not intended to provide ongoing representation for all community members but rather to expand access to trusted immigration guidance, education, and appropriate referrals.

Key Responsibilities

Immigration Legal Services

• • Conduct legal consultations and screenings related to:
  • Naturalization (N-400)
  • Green Card Renewal (I-90)
  • Removal of Conditions on Permanent Residence (I-751)
  • Assess eligibility for citizenship and other immigration benefits.
  • Prepare and review immigration applications and supporting documentation.
  • Provide legal information and advice within the scope of program services.
  • Conduct citizenship eligibility screenings and legal assessments.
  • Identify legal issues requiring more extensive representation and make appropriate referrals.
  • Coordinate citizenship and naturalization workshops and legal clinics.
  • Ensure compliance with all applicable legal, ethical, and professional standards.

Program Development and Management

• • Lead the design, implementation, and evaluation of citizenship and civic engagement programs.
  • Develop curricula, educational materials, workshops, and group classes that support participants in achieving U.S. citizenship.
  • Create innovative programming that addresses barriers to naturalization and civic participation.
  • Coordinate volunteer attorneys, community partners, and workshop facilitators.
  • Establish program goals, track outcomes, and evaluate impact.

Community Outreach and Education

• • Deliver community presentations on citizenship and immigration-related topics.
  • Build partnerships with community organizations, educational institutions, and public agencies.
  • Represent Irish Community Services at community events and stakeholder meetings.
  • Promote immigration services to the broader communities served by Irish Community Services.

Administration and Reporting

• • Maintain accurate program and client records.
  • Prepare reports for funders, organizational leadership, and community partners.
  • Support grant development and reporting activities.
  • Monitor program performance and identify opportunities for growth and improvement.
  • Contribute to the continued development and expansion of Irish Community Services’ immigration services.
  • Contribute to organizational and office events and activities as needed.

Qualifications

Required

• • Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
  • Licensed and in good standing with a state bar.
  • Minimum of three years of immigration law experience, which may include experience as a law clerk, paralegal, or in another legal support role.
  • Demonstrated experience with naturalization, lawful permanent resident benefits, and family-based immigration matters.
  • Experience conducting legal consultations and preparing immigration applications.
  • Strong presentation, training, and facilitation skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
  • Commitment to serving immigrant communities and advancing access to justice.

Preferred

• • Professional fluency in spoken and written English and Spanish.
  • Experience working in nonprofit legal services or community-based organizations.
  • Experience developing educational programs or curricula.
  • Grant-funded program experience.
  • Experience supervising volunteers, interns, or legal support staff.

Core Competencies

• • Immigration law expertise.
  • Program development and management.
  • Community engagement.
  • Public speaking and training.
  • Cultural competency.
  • Strategic thinking.
  • Collaboration and relationship building.
  • Mission-driven leadership.

About Irish Community Services

Irish Community Services provides programs and services that support, connect, and empower individuals and families throughout the Chicago region. Through immigration services, social services, wellness initiatives, and community engagement opportunities, ICS works to build a vibrant and connected community and is proud to serve people from all around the world.

Benefits

ICS offers generous paid time off (PTO), 18.5 paid holidays annually, and a monthly stipend toward health insurance costs.

ICS offers generous paid time off (PTO), 18.5 paid holidays annually, and a monthly stipend toward health insurance costs.

Professional fluency in spoken and written English and Spanish strongly preferred