Supervising Attorney Asylum Project NIJC

Job Description

Job Description

About 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:  

NIJC seeks a human rights/immigration attorney with at least three years of experience to join our nationally recognized team as a supervising attorney. In this role, the supervisor will manage a team of lawyers, paralegals, and/or coordinators, ensure high-quality legal services, support casework, and oversee intake of individuals and their families. The supervisor will collaborate with other teams, including management, litigation, policy, and communications.

Attorneys in NIJC's Asylum Project represent detained and non-detained asylum seekers, especially those facing removal. Successful candidates will work independently and collaboratively, locally and nationally, demonstrating meticulous attention to detail, clear communication, and effective time management.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:  

• Conducts preliminary intake interview, gathers all relevant facts, and makes legal assessments.  Assesses income eligibility and makes appropriate referrals for those individuals not eligible for Organization services. 
• Develops and implements complex case strategies in consultation with supervisor.
• Supervises attorneys, coordinators, and paralegals as required by the department's needs.
• Prepares cases for interview or hearing, including drafting legal papers, conducting client advocacy, presenting evidence, etc. in accordance with the Code of Professional Responsibility for the legal profession.
• Provides limited scope legal orientation, legal advice, hearing preparation, and document preparation for pro se individuals. Carries a volume of work as required by the department.
• Has in-depth knowledge of legal and other resources. 
• Provides technical support to NIJC staff and pro bono counsel assigned to complex NIJC cases.
• 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.
• Develops and maintains professional relationships with EOIR, DHS, U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS), government and social service organizations and community organizations, as necessary.  Interprets immigration and department policies and programs to the public, including public speaking and media interviews in conjunction with NIJC's communications team.
• Maintains complete and accurate client records.  Prepares timely statistical reports.  Conducts quarterly case audits for Supervisor presentation and review. 
• Participates in training on immigration procedures as assigned by the Supervisor.  May conduct training sessions and form materials.
• Identifies trends and recurring legal and social concerns.  Recommends strategies for solutions and other needed advocacy.
• Assists managing attorney in developing internal procedures and best practices and implementing those procedures within the project.
• Participates in periodic evaluative reviews and/or in-house and external staff training to ensure that she/he understands and continues to adhere to such standards. 
• Advances an anti-racist organization that promotes diversity, equity and inclusion
• Reacts to change and manages other essential duties as assigned.

Skills and Competencies

• Maintains complete and accurate client records, conducting periodic case audits.
• Strong writing skills, including the ability to simplify complicated concepts for a nonspecialist audience.
• Participates in training on immigration procedures as assigned by the Supervisor. May conduct training sessions and develop materials assigned by the Supervisor.
• Identifies trends and recurring legal and social concerns. Recommends strategies for solutions and other needed advocacy.
• Ability to thrive in fast-paced environments and adapt quickly to change.
• Self-motivated and committed to immigrant advocacy.
• Ability to build and maintain productive relationships with colleagues internally and outside of the organization.
• Meticulous attention to detail, clear communication, and effective time management.
• Excellent public speaking and interpersonal skills.<