Immigration Attorney

Job Description

Job Description

Salary: $80,000 - $85,000

The Westside Justice Center is growing and expanding its legal services team!

Unleash your advocacy skills and make a difference with the Westside Justice Center. Join our mission-driven team as an Immigration Attorney and play a critical role in advancing access to justice for immigrant individuals and families navigating the U.S. immigration system.

Founded in 2015, the Westside Justice Center (WJC) is not just a workplaceit is a community-centered Legal Aid clinic committed to eradicating barriers to justice and uplifting authentic community leadership.

As an Immigration Attorney, you will provide direct legal representation and strategic advocacy in a wide range of U.S. immigration matters. You will work closely with paralegals, legal support staff, and community partners to ensure high-quality, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive legal services.

If you are passionate about social justice, immigrant rights, and community-based legal advocacy, we invite you to apply.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct legal representation in U.S. immigration matters, including family-based petitions, asylum, adjustment of status, naturalization/citizenship, and humanitarian relief
• Conduct client consultations, legal screenings, and full case assessments.
• Prepare, review, and file immigration applications, motions, briefs, and supporting documentation
• Represent clients before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), and other relevant agencies, as applicable
• Identify relief options, assess legal risks, and advise clients on case strategy and next steps
• Supervise, collaborate with, and provide legal guidance to paralegals, law clerks, and volunteers
• Conduct legal and factual research related to immigration law, regulations, and policy guidance
• Maintain accurate, timely, and complete case files in compliance with ethical standards and organizational policies
• Track case deadlines, notices, and outcomes using case management systems
• Coordinate and collaborate with partner organizations and community service providers
• Support immigration workshops, legal clinics, and community education events as needed

Successful Candidates Will Possess

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
• Active license to practice law in the State of Illinois at the time of consideration (required)
• Admission to practice before the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois and/or the Southern District of Illinois is strongly preferred. Candidates not currently admitted must be willing and able to secure federal bar admission if selected, as federal court admission is required to prepare and file habeas corpus petitions
• Demonstrated experience or training in U.S. immigration law through practice, clinics, fellowships, supervised work, or comparable legal settings
• Strong working knowledge of U.S. immigration processes and filings, including USCIS, EOIR, and NVC procedures
• Familiarity with commonly used immigration forms (such as I-831, I-765, and bonds) and supporting evidence requirements
• Experience preparing affidavits, declarations, legal briefs, and supporting documentation
• Experience working at a nonprofit or legal aid organization
• Proficiency in Haitian Creole, Spanish, or other languages spoken within African and Caribbean diaspora communities (such as Yoruba, Swahili, or Amharic) is highly preferred
• At least conversational Spanish
• Strong legal writing, analytical, and advocacy skills
• Exceptional attention to detail and ability to manage multiple active cases
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with diverse client populations
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively within a legal team
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with legal case management databases, or willingness to learn
• A deep commitment to WJCs mission of advancing justice and equity for underserved communities

NOTE: A copy of your professional license, academic transcripts, or relevant training certificates will be required at the time of interview, if applicable.

Benefits

• Community Impact
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• 401(k) Retirement Plan

Work Environment

The work environment described here is representative of that an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation(s) may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• This job operates in a professional office environment. The role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones and photocopiers
• Ability to communicate verbally
• Ability to spend extended time working on a computer
• Occasional need for local travel for work-related reasons

Compensation

Actual compensation will be determined based on a wide array of relevant factors, including market considerations, organizational needs, and an individuals skills, experience, and qualifications. Target salary hiring range is $80,000 - $85,000.

Disclaimer

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties, requirements, or responsibilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an at will relationship.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Westside Justice Center is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and is committed to maintaining an inclusive environment free from discrimination and harassment.

We prohibit discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex

(including pregnancy, gender identity, transgender status, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, parental status, military service or discharge status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Consistent with our mission to advance justice and equity, people of color, women, LGBTQI-GNC individuals, immigrants, and formerly incarcerated people are strongly encouraged to apply.