Immigration Staff Attorney

The Immigration Staff Attorney provides legal advice and representation in matters related to humanitarian petitions, including affirmative and defensive asylum, adjustment of status, naturalization, among others. They will also provide legal representation and counseling to non-detained immigrants appearing before the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of State (DOS), and if appropriate, before the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) and the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) The staff attorney will also be expected to provide guidance and general counsel on matters related to immigration law.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Supervises legal services and oversees paralegals providing legal services; including the development of case strategy, preparation, and representation before governmental agencies.
• Ensures accurate data.
• Oversees and reviews legal intakes; makes legal assessments and determinations regarding representation. Ensures timely case preparation, including case opening process, preparing filings, trial preparation, appeals, case closures, and other case management practices.
• Works with supervisory team to build a strong team and oversee the team's projects. Provides recommendations based on case trends to inform project-based strategic decisions. Maintains and develops strategic partnerships with key stakeholders.
• Conducts factual and legal research.
• Provides legal representation to immigrants in immigration proceedings, including before an immigration officer, an immigration judge, and before the Board of Immigration Appeals as appropriate.
• Drafts correspondence and documents, including applications, briefs and reports.
• Improves delivery of legal services, including use of technology to improve efficiency. Trains lawyers and non-lawyers in immigration law.
• Travels to court when required to represent clients.
• 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 and refugees.
• Participates in training on immigration procedures 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 departmental guidelines. Participates in periodic evaluative reviews and/or in-house and external staff training to ensure understanding 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.
• Prepares outwards-facing text materials and virtual/in-person presentations on know-your-rights and other immigration-legal topics of interest to client base.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctorate degree from an ABA-approved law school.
• Licensed to practice law in the state of IL.
• Bilingual strongly preferred
• Strong interpersonal with the demonstrated ability to engage with client base.
• Commitment to social justice and basic understanding of issues affecting immigrants and refugees.
• Knowledge of Salesforce, Google Products, Microsoft Office preferred.

This position is exempt from overtime.

Generous PTO

Half Day Fridays

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Term Life Insurance

Sabbatical Leave

Second language strongly preferred.