Staff Attorney

STAFF ATTORNEY POSITION

The Immigration Project (serving Central and Southern Illinois) is accepting applications for the position of Staff Attorney.

Position: Staff Attorney

Agency: The Immigration Project

Location: Normal, IL with some remote work authorized

Date Posted: June 2021, Application Open Until Position Filled

Job Type: Attorney Position

Schedule: Long-term & full-time

Practice Areas: Immigration and Refugee

Agency Information:

The Immigration Project is a small, dynamic, immigration legal aid organization located in Normal, Illinois with a satellite office in Champaign, Illinois. The agency is the largest non-profit immigration legal services agency located in downstate Illinois with immigration attorneys on staff. Serving clients in 86 counties outside of the Chicago/Cook County area, The Immigration Project has an impact on communities across central and southern Illinois and believes in securing access to justice alongside our immigrant neighbors. More information on the organization can be found at http://www.immigrationproject.org.

Duties:

• Maintain a diverse client caseload of family-based immigration, VAWA/U Visa, SIJS, complex naturalization, asylum, and removal defense cases under the supervision and mentorship of the Legal Director and/or Executive Director.

• Prepare immigration applications, attend USCIS interviews, make appearances before the EOIR, research applicable law, compose memoranda, write client affidavits, and draft motions and briefs as needed.

• Counsel immigrants and their families regarding immigration legal remedies virtually or by traveling to regional clinic locations and workshops throughout downstate Illinois.

• Connect clients with social services resources and opportunities presented by other Immigration Project programs as appropriate.

• Represent The Immigration Project in meetings, press related events, regional/state associations, and other public forums as needed.

• Participate in grassroots organizing and advocacy efforts based on expressed community needs under the direction of the Executive Director.

• Present to the public on citizenship, Know Your Rights, recent executive orders, and other immigration matters.

• Work collaboratively with and mentor administrative staff, volunteers, Community Navigators, and both college and legal interns.

• Maintain reporting and case management systems as required by internal policies.

• In accordance with the ethical standards required of the legal profession and the Code of Professional Responsibility, preserve client confidentiality, account for client monies and avoid conflicts of interest.

• Other job duties may be assigned.

Qualifications

• Required:

• License to practice law with membership in good standing to any state bar - Individuals planning on taking the bar exam within 6 months will also be considered.

• Passion for working in partnership with clients to achieve justice for underserved communities

• Demonstrated ability to serve clients in a professional, welcoming, and efficient manner

• Ability and willingness to travel throughout Illinois regularly

• An intended minimum two-year commitment to the position

• Strong organizational ability; attention to detail and accuracy, and demonstrated ability to learn technical and legal information

• Ability to thrive in a flexible, fast-paced and growth-oriented environment, while maintaining a cooperative, friendly, and helpful attitude with clients and co-workers

• Sufficient computer and internet skills

• Strongly preferred:

• Membership in good standing in the IL state bar

• Some immigration law experience, though entry level candidates will be considered and provided appropriate training and mentorship

• Previous experience working with immigrant communities, indigenous communities, survivors of domestic violence, low-income individuals, and/or individuals facing removal

• Fluency in Spanish or French - Please indicate in a resume or cover letter the level of Spanish/French fluency and years of Spanish/French language experience.

• Previous experience supervising volunteers and/or administrative staff

Salary: Dependent upon experience. Generous benefits package including flex time, some remote work, vacation, personal, and sick days, full medical insurance and contributions to Health Savings Account, optional participation in dental and vision insurance. Retirement benefits available after two years.

Application Deadline: Rolling basis until position filled

The Immigration Project is an equal opportunity organization.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $40,000.00 - $45,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Experience:

• immigration law: 1 year (Preferred)

Language:

• Spanish or French (Preferred)
• any language other than English, Spanish, or French (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• license to practice law in the United States (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $40,000 - $45,000