Staff Attorney - Immigration

Supervised by: Director of Immigration 

Status: Full-time 

In addition to the annual salary listed, Ascend Justice offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance (lowest level 100% employer paid, 50% premium for dependents employer paid), dental insurance (employer paid), short- and long-term disability (employer paid), and life insurance (employer paid), 12 weeks paid parental leave, FSA health, dependent care, and commute (parking & transit). We also offer options for 401k and Roth 401k retirement accounts and have the option to make employer contributions at year end.

All employees who work on-site in an Ascend Justice office are required to show proof of full and up-to-date vaccination against COVID-19 unless a reasonable accommodation is approved. An individual is fully vaccinated and up to date when they have received all CDC-recommended COVID-19 vaccines, including any booster dose(s) when eligible.

Ascend Justice's offices are currently operating on a hybrid working schedule (in-office/work from home). The schedule for this position will be determined as the position is filled and based on current agency needs.

Essential Responsibilities 

Client Services (approximately 95% of the position) 

• Perform intake functions, interviewing potential clients to evaluate case for representation. 
• During initial interview, provide advice and brief services as appropriate. 
• Provide high quality representation for survivors of gender-based violence seeking relevant immigration remedies. 
• Manage a case load of ongoing affirmative and defensive asylum cases.  
• Assess for relief and represent survivors of gender-based violence in removal proceedings.  
• Represent minors eligible for SIJS in removal proceedings and/or before USCIS. 
• Manage a case load of APA/Mandamus claims before the Northern District of Illinois. 
• Develop and implement short and long-term litigation strategies. 
• Deliver services according to principles of trauma-informed care. 
• Maintain client files, noting all deadlines, communications and other relevant information. 
• Coordinate with agency’s Client Support Coordinators and other colleagues to ensure that client receives seamless, holistic services. 

Volunteers (approximately 5% of the position) 

• Supervise volunteers including attorneys, students and interns. 

Other Responsibilities  

• Actively participate in required staff meetings, trainings. 
• Keep abreast of the field by maintaining networks, participating in professional organizations. 
• Protect the organization by keeping information confidential. 
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor. 

Work Environment  

• This position is approximately 50% in person, 50% remote, but these proportions are subject to change. 
• Courthouse and offices are fully accessible. Some work at off-site locations may be required and those may not necessarily be fully accessible. 
• Evening and weekend work may occasionally be required. 
• This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and scanners. Employee is regularly required to talk, hear, see, and communicate effectively via computer. 
• Smoke- and drug-free environment. 

Qualifications 

• Licensed to practice law in the United States  
• At least one year of experience with immigration practice in asylum; experience with removal proceedings preferred  
• Previous experience with immigration-related federal litigation a plus but not required  
• Bilingual-Spanish preferred, professional proficiency considered in other languages including Arabic, Mandarin, Polish, Urdu 
• Must have completed or be willing to complete 40-hour Domestic Violence training 
• Familiarity with principles of trauma-informed care and willingness to complete additional training 
• Strong self-motivation and ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines 
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations 
• Knowledge of or experience with working with survivors of gender-based or intimate partner violence 
• Ability to work in fast-paced legal environment 
• Ability to communicate effectively with people in crisis 
• Strong written and oral communication skills 
• Flexible, self-motivated 
• Strong attention to detail 
• Excellent communication and time management skills 
• Sense of humor 

Ascend Justice is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to employ qualified individuals based on individual merit. Ascend Justice does not discriminate against any individual with respect to the terms and conditions of employment based on that individual’s race, sex, age, religion, color, national origin, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, housing status, or any other non-merit factor protected under state, local or federal laws. Equal Employment Opportunity applies to all personnel actions such as recruiting, hiring, compensation, benefits, promotions, training, transfer, termination, and opportunities for training. Ascend Justice is committed to a fair and equitable workplace where everyone is a respected and valued member of the team. Applicants/clients wishing to lodge a complaint about discrimination in the provision of services can do so by contacting the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority. The ICJIA nondiscrimination policy can be found on the ICJIA website at http://www.icjia.org/grants/grant-resources. Applicants can also send complaints via e-mail to CJA.CivilRightsOfficer@illinois.gov