Supervising Attorney

Introduction:

The Supervising Attorney will be responsible for supervising the Community Defense unit in collaboration with the ILCM’s Legal Director & Managing Attorney. They will provide legal oversight, guidance, and quality control for casework performed by staff, ensuring compliance with ethical standards, legal requirements, and organizational policies.

What’s in it for you?

• The opportunity to make an impact in the community by enhancing opportunities for immigrants and refugees in Minnesota and North Dakota.
• We believe in work-life harmony. This role offers the flexibility to blend remote work with in-office collaboration.

Why ILCM?

• • You will be championing social justice & creating meaningful impact.
  • You will work in a place that values diversity, equity, and belonging. We encourage new ideas, value multiple perspectives, and foster a supportive environment where each role matters.
  • We offer competitive and transparent compensation. We aim to ensure that pay, benefits, and career progression reflect your contributions, impact, and market value.
  • You will work with a committed organization dedicated to serving and empowering clients. ILCM’s values are grounded in respect for and partnership with our immigrant and refugee clients.

Primary Responsibilities - 90%

45% Supervision, training, co-counseling

• Assume ultimate legal responsibility for all cases and filings within the assigned unit.
• Ensure all legal work complies with professional standards, agency regulations, and organizational policies.
• Review and approve applications, filings, and correspondence prior to submission for new attorneys and accredited representatives.
• Provide legal guidance, mentoring, and ongoing feedback to supervised staff through regular (at least every other week) direct supervision meetings, unit meetings, and other means.
• Ensure adherence to ethical obligations, confidentiality requirements, and supervision standards.
• In immigration matters, ensure compliance with DOJ/EOIR and USCIS rules and procedures.
• Assist with case assignment, workload management, and deadline monitoring.
• Handle or provide support for complex legal issues, hearings, and matters requiring attorney representation through co-counseling.
• Supervision of ILCM detention line in coordination with other supervisors

25% Maintain own caseload

• Ensure clients receive competent, high-quality representation and accurate legal advice.
• Provide a range of services from advice, pro se assistance, limited representation, and full representation in front of USCIS/EOIR/Federal Court.

20% Program support and outreach

• Work with Managing Attorney, Legal Director, and Finance and Administration Director to ensure appropriate grant spenddowns.
• Review unit timekeeping and reporting for budget tracking.
• Maintain legal resources relevant to unit needs.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with regional service providers to facilitate referrals and partnerships.
• Collaborate with other agencies that work with immigrant and refugee communities to ensure resources are being best utilized.
• Collaborate with partner agencies on outreach efforts, conduct presentations and host clinics on topics including changes to immigration policy, Know Your Rights, Immigration 101, etc.
• Develop and implement regional communication strategies to promote awareness of available services.

Secondary Responsibilities – 10%

• Complete time records for financial management, grant reporting, and compliance purposes.
• Participate in legal team meetings, case reviews, and monthly all-staff meetings.
• Engage in training and professional development opportunities as assigned or required.
• Assist with proposal development and grant reporting as needed.
• Assist with unscheduled walk-in clients, as needed.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications | Knowledge, Skills & Abilities 

• • J.D. degree and licensed attorney under the MN State Bar.
  • Minimum of 5 years’ experience with immigration law, USCIS filings, and immigration court matters.
  • Minimum of 3 years supervisory experience, including law clerks, interns, paralegals, and others.
• Second language fluency in language spoken by client community (i.e., Spanish, Somali, Arabic, Pashto, Dari, Kurdish, etc.) preferred.
  • Ability to travel to meet with clients, partner agencies, and to conduct outreach activities.
• Proficient in all Microsoft programs such as Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams and SharePoint.
• Experience with LegalServer and/or other case management programs preferred.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Able to work well cross-departmentally, handle multiple assignments and meet deadlines.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
  • Familiarity with diverse refugee and immigrant communities, community agencies, and resources.
• Passion for serving the low-income immigrant and refugee community and experience working with persons of diverse economic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds.

• We provide paid leave including the following:
  • Paid Time Off – Employee earns 12.5 hours per month during the first 2 years of employment (4 weeks), 15.625 per month in years 2-5 (5 weeks), and 18.75 per month after 5 years (6 weeks). Employees can carry up to 80 hours of unused leave from year to year.
  • Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST): In compliance with Minnesota law, ILCM will provide employees with paid sick & safe leave under this policy. All employees will receive eighty (80) hours sick and safe time, or pro-rated upon the commencement of employment. Unused sick and safe time will not be carried over from one calendar year to the next, nor will it be paid out at the end of each year.
  • Holiday Leave: Most major federal holidays off including the days between Christmas Eve and New Years Day. In addition, ILCM offers one floating holiday and the opportunity to exchange holidays that don’t fall within an employee's religious or cultural background (i.e., alternative holidays).
  • Paid Family & Medical Leave: In compliance with Minnesota statute. See Handbook and Benefits Guide for more information.
• We provide competitive benefits including the following:
  • Medical, dental and vision insurance (with employer contributions)
  • Employer-paid life and disability coverage (voluntary life insurance is available at employee cost)
  • SIMPLE IRA retirement plan with employer match
  • FSA and HSA with employer contributions (HSA is only available for employees enrolled in our HSA medical plan)
  • Pet Benefits & Pet Discount Program with employer contributions
  • A remote connectivity stipend of $50/month
  • Payment for organizational/membership dues
  • Training/professional development budget of $500/year

Second language fluency in language spoken by client community (i.e., Spanish, Somali, Arabic, Pashto, Dari, Kurdish, etc.) preferred.