What are the responsibilities and job description for the National Immigrant Justice Center Senior Attorney Rapid Response Initiative position at National Immigrant Justice Center?
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.
Job Summary :
The senior attorney position provides legal representation and immigration legal service counseling to immigrants appearing before the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with a focus on representing immigrants detained in DHS custody and non-detained immigrants and asylum-seekers who are vulnerable to immigration arrest and enforcement actions. The senior attorney will provide services and representation on a rapid response basis, including in emergency motions to reopen, appeals and motions before the Board of Immigration Appeals, and bond proceedings. The position will also provide technical support to pro bono counsel assigned to complex NIJC cases and participate in trainings and webinars on removal defense and related topics. The position can be based in the Chicago office or either of the Indiana offices (Goshen and Indianapolis) and may involve occasional travel to detention centers for intakes and legal screenings.
Applicants should submit a brief cover letter addressing their qualifications and interest in this position, resume, and writing sample with their application.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities :
- Conducts preliminary intake interview, gathering relevant facts for presentation at Unit meetings.
- Develops and implements complex and rapid response case strategies in consultation with supervisor.
- Prepares cases for interview or hearing, including drafting legal papers, conducting client advocacy, presenting evidence, etc. in accord with the Code of Professional Responsibility for the legal profession.
- Carries a volume of work as required by the department. Has in-depth knowledge of legal and other resources.
- With the Supervisor and NIJC Pro Bono Manager, prepares complex cases for recruitment of pro bono counsel.
- Travels to detention centers to conduct intakes of potential clients and legal screenings.
- Provides technical support to pro bono counsel assigned to complex NIJC cases.
- Collaborates with other NIJC teams (Litigation, Policy, and Communications) on cases and projects.
- Remains current on immigration law, policies and procedures, and is able to rapidly interpret changes in the law and assess the impact on 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.
- Maintains complete and accurate client records. Prepares timely statistical reports. Conducts quarterly case audits for presentation and review of the Supervisor.
- Attends training on immigration procedures as directed by the Supervisor. May also lead training sessions as assigned by the Supervisor.
- Identifies trends and recurring legal and social concerns. Recommends strategies for solutions and other needed advocacy.
- Adheres to professional standards as outlined by governmental bodies (and / or other appropriate professional associations), private funding sources, Organization plans / policies and Unit guidelines.
- Takes part in regular evaluative reviews and both in-house and external staff training to ensure understanding and ongoing compliance with standards. Seeks assistance or guidance from the Supervisor when facing new challenges or complex concepts that impact adherence to professional standards.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications :
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and / or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
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.
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.