Senior Attorney, Detention Team, NIJC

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 This position provides legal representation and counseling to immigrants and asylum‑seekers appearing before the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with a focus on representation of individuals in DHS custody in their bond and removal proceedings and appeals before the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). Legal representation may also include work on federal habeas corpus petitions challenging the legality of clients' detention and detention conditions. The position also provides technical support to pro‑bono counsel assigned to NIJC cases, both locally and nationally. The Senior Attorney will serve as a mentor to junior staff, as well as the development of new initiatives or projects within the team. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Conduct preliminary intake interviews and assess income eligibility to make appropriate referrals for those individuals not eligible for Organization services; recommend exceptions to financial guidelines to the Supervisor. Prepare cases for hearing by drafting legal papers, negotiating, presenting evidence, etc. Conduct assessment of clients' social, psychological, and economic functioning and determine appropriate interventions and referrals; ensure provision of a wide range of services. Carry a volume of cases as required by the department. With the Supervisor and NIJC Pro Bono Manager, prepare cases for recruitment of pro‑bono counsel, and provide technical support to pro‑bono counsel assigned to NIJC cases, locally and nationally. Maintain complete and accurate client records, prepare timely statistical reports, and conduct quarterly case audits for presentation. Participate in training on immigration procedures as assigned by the Supervisor; may conduct training sessions as assigned. Identify trends and recurring legal and social concerns; recommend strategies for solutions and other needed advocacy. Competencies Develop and implement preliminary case strategy; further develop strategy with Supervisor. Maintain professional relationships with EOIR, DHS, USCIS, government and social service organizations and community organizations as necessary. Interpret immigration and department policies and programs to the public, including through public speaking engagements or training. Adhere to ethical standards, preserve client confidentiality, account for client monies, and avoid conflict of interest. Identify trends and recurring legal and social concerns; recommend strategies for solutions and other needed advocacy. 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. Education and/or Experience : A law degree (JD), license to practice law and at least 3 years’ experience in the legal field, preferably in immigration law, with a focus on removal defense. Language Skills : Fluency in English; Spanish fluency preferred. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Demonstrated competency in public speaking and strong interpersonal skills; additional non‑English language skills preferred. Technical Skills : Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Windows operating systems. Reasoning Ability : Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations with limited standardization; ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. 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 operating a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a copy machine. Equal Employment Opportunity 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. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. #J-18808-Ljbffr