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 Senior Immigration Attorney in Chicago to join our Children's Protection Project and oversee our children's pro bono work, including supporting pro bono teams handling 80-100 cases.

The senior attorney will train and support teams of pro bono attorneys representing immigrant children in their applications for asylum and other relief, as well as those representing parents or guardians in state court seeking Special Immigrant Juvenile Status predicate orders. In collaboration with the Associate Director for Children's Protection, the senior attorney will streamline pro bono recruitment and training procedures and grow NIJC's pro bono work with children, and will supervise, mentor and provide professional development support to the SIJS Pro Bono Coordinator.

Successful candidates will work both independently and collaboratively. While the senior attorney will be the only member of the Children's Protection teams overseeing pro bono work, they will collaborate with Children's team staff and other pro bono attorneys across the organization to advance NIJC's mission.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Directs recruitment, training and ongoing support for pro bono attorneys and volunteers on issues relating to immigrant children. Provides legal support to NIJC staff and pro bono counsel assigned to complex NIJC cases.
Collaborates with the Pro Bono Manager and pro bono staff across NIJC to integrate pro bono work for children and to systematize pro bono practices across projects.
Oversees the planning and implementation of quarterly SIJS predicate order pro bono clinics and provides legal support to cases placed with pro bono attorneys as part of the clinic.
Oversees pro bono training on and placement of children's asylum cases and provides legal support to asylum cases currently placed with pro bono attorneys. Collaborates with the Associate Director and supervisory team to best determine where pro bono engagement can support overall team and organizational objectives.
Ensures timely response to all inquiries, including requests for referrals, pro bono outreach, and materials relating to the projects.
Provides limited direct representation to individuals in state court seeking SIJS predicate orders.
Remains current on immigration law, policies and procedures, as well as state juvenile law to the extent that it impacts Special Immigrant Juvenile cases.
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.
Advances an anti-racist organization that promotes diversity, equity and inclusion.

Skills And Competencies

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.
Familiarity with effective training principles, including facilitating engagement in physical, online, and hybrid training settings.
Applies advanced knowledge of immigration law, particularly asylum and SIJS, to develop case strategy and provide high-quality guidance to pro bono teams.
Effectively trains, and mentors pro bono attorneys while managing a high-volume pro bono caseload with consistency, accuracy, and sound judgment.
Manages multiple deadlines, coordinates clinics, and maintains organized, accurate case documentation in a fast-paced environment.
Demonstrates cultural awareness and actively contributes to an anti-racist, inclusive organizational culture.
Demonstrates sound judgment when navigating complex, trauma-informed cases involving children, ensuring ethical decision-making and high-quality legal advocacy.

Qualifications

Education and/or Experience: A law degree (JD), license to practice law in Illinois, and a minimum of three years' experience in immigration, particularly with asylum and/or Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. Experience working with children and families, and/or systems affecting children, preferred. Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively on a variety of projects with lawyers, other staff members, and law firms.
Language Skills: Spanish fluency is preferred but not required. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
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. Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, work independently, and collaborate effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Computer Skills: Proficient in Microsoft 365.

How To Apply

Please Include:

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

Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time.
The person in this position occasionally needs to move 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 because of 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.

National Immigrant Justice Center

New Jobs

Senior Pro Bono Attorney, Children's Protection Project