Managing Attorney Children's Protection Project, 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.

Summary:

The Managing Attorney reports to the Associate Director and is a member of the supervisory Team. The Managing Attorney supervises the team and ensures delivery of quality legal services for immigrant children. The Managing Attorney manages the relationships with project stakeholders on all substantive legal issues, including project funders, government agencies, and child welfare organizations. The Managing Attorney contributes to the work of litigation and policy teams through the identification of issues and reform strategies. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Individual accountability and work volume will be established through the development of annual Success Objectives.
• Supervisory responsibilities include working with the team to develop and achieve success objectives.
• Works with the Associate Director and supervisory team to ensure direction of project is advancing impact given the external and internal realities
• Manages at least one project within the NIJC program and ensures compliance with deliverables
• Works with the supervisory team to ensure staff development on immigration issues and the implementation of best practices in the delivery of legal services.
• Provides direct supervision and support to supervisors, staff, interns and volunteers as assigned
• Evaluates supervisees objectives with actual outcomes quarterly and provides quarterly reports
• Works with NIJC staff in identifying issues that may be appropriate for advocacy and federal litigation.
• Gathers data; identify trends and emerging issues and responses to issues. Provides recommendations to inform strategic decisions and team modifications.
• Performs case audits to evaluate cases considering current law and ensures accurate data entry, as required by program needs and funding requirements.
• Ensures timely response to all inquiries, including requests for referrals, community outreach, and materials relating to the projects.
• Provides limited direct representation to individuals in removal proceedings and in administration application for immigration relief.
• Serves as NIJC representative on immigration legal services and provides training and outreach with community-based organizations, colleague agencies, elected officials, and national networks working on immigration.
• Develops and assists in the implementation of training for staff, pro bono attorneys and volunteers, community organizations, and immigration officers on issues relating to projects.
• Assists in the recruitment, training, and support of pro bono attorneys.
• Participates in trainings and conferences on management, as well as on substantive areas of the law
• Assists in drafting proposals and reports to funders, as well as monthly reports.
• In coordination with the Associate Director, ensures compliance with funder reporting requirements.
• Demonstrates strong leadership qualities include an ability to build and maintain productive relationships with colleagues internally and outside of the organization.
• Identifies and initiates potential coalitions and partnerships.
• Reacts to change productively and manage other essential duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

To perform this role successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required.

• Education and/or Experience: Juris Doctorate; law license; minimum of five years of experience in immigration law and/or refugee law; and a minimum of five years of supervisory experience. Must have knowledge of immigration law, policies, and practices and their intersection with criminal law. Experience in immigration court and preferably in state and federal court is required.
• Language Skills: Excellent oral and written communication skills. Spanish fluency is required; speakers of additional languages are encouraged to apply. Demonstrated competency in public speaking and strong interpersonal skills are required.

Competencies:

• Legal Skills: Experience analyzing the impact of laws on vulnerable populations and advocating for improved laws and policies. Strong legal research, writing, and argumentation skills. Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, work independently, and collaborate effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Reasoning Ability: Ability to 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.
• Technology Knowledge/Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

How to Apply

Please Include:

1. Your resume
2. A compelling cover letter, including the following:
   1. Why you are interested in this specific role and in working for NIJC
   2. How your unique skills and experience will enable you to make a significant impact on our team and help us achieve our mission.
   3. 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 role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position for 50% of the time.
• This position occasionally requires moving about the inside of the office to access filing cabinets, office machinery, etc.
• Constantly operates 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 based on age, color, sex, disability, national origin, race, religion, or veteran status.

By submitting your application, you acknowledge and consent to undergo a comprehensive background check as part of the employment process. This background check will be conducted in compliance with applicable state and federal laws.