Position Summary
The firm is seeking a bilingual (English/Spanish) immigration attorney to lead its removal-defense and family/humanitarian practice. This is a hands-on, in-office role in Chicago that pairs direct representation—including immigration court appearances —with oversight of a small support team and responsibility for meeting with prospective clients and signing new cases. The ideal candidate is an experienced practitioner who can manage an active caseload independently, mentor paralegals, and keep matters moving on schedule with the support of the firm’s systems and staff. The base salary range is 100,000-125,000 plus bonuses.
About the Firm
An established and growing immigration law firm based in Chicago. The firm handles a full range of immigration matters—removal defense, family-based petitions, and humanitarian relief—and has invested in modern case-management systems and streamlined workflows so its attorneys can stay focused on substantive legal work rather than administrative tasks. The team values clear processes, delegation, and strong client service.
Key Responsibilities
- Removal defense: Represent clients in removal/deportation proceedings before the immigration court (EOIR), including master calendar and individual hearings, bond hearings, and related motions and filings.
- Relief & litigation: Prepare and present applications for relief such as asylum, cancellation of removal, adjustment of status, and waivers. Federal Court litigation experience is a plus.
- Case work: Handle family-based petitions (I-130, adjustment of status, consular processing) and humanitarian cases (asylum, U/T visas, VAWA, and similar).
- Team leadership: Supervise and support a small legal team (approximately two to four case preparers)—review work product, delegate tasks, and ensure deadlines are met.
- Case management: Own case strategy, timelines, and client communication across a steady, well-supported caseload.
- Client counsel: Conduct consultations and provide clear, compassionate guidance to clients in both English and Spanish.
- Client development: Meet with prospective clients in person and by phone, evaluate their cases, explain fee options, and sign engagement agreements for new matters. Follow up on open consultations and convert qualified prospects into retained cases.
- Records: Keep accurate, up-to-date records in the firm’s case-management system.
Qualifications
- J.D. from an accredited U.S. law school or foreign equivalent.
- Active license to practice law and in good standing in at least one U.S. jurisdiction (immigration attorneys may practice before EOIR and USCIS regardless of the state of admission). Illinois admission is a plus.
- Demonstrated experience in removal-defense and immigration court practice. Experience in Federal Court is a plus.
- Experience with family-based and humanitarian immigration matters.
- Full professional fluency in English and Spanish, written and spoken.
- Supervisory or team-management experience.
- Comfort conducting client consultations, discussing fees, and signing new cases; a track record of client development is a plus.
- Based in the Chicago area and able to work on-site. [Minimum years of experience: to be confirmed — e.g., 3+ years.]
- Soft skill requirements include being organized, proactive, communicate well with team members and clients, and having a positive attitude towards contributing to clients, team members, and the firm.
Preferred
- Experience mentoring or managing paralegals and support staff.
- Comfort working within legal-technology and case-management platforms.
- Member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA).
What the Firm Offers
- An existing caseload and a dedicated, capable support team.
- Modern systems and streamlined workflows that reduce administrative burden.
- A collaborative, mission-driven environment with room to lead.
- Competitive compensation package, with details shared with qualified candidates.
Pay: $100,000.00 - $125,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
Language:
- English and Spanish (Required)
License/Certification:
Work Location: In person
