Education Law Staff Attorney

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.

NIJC's Immigrant Legal Defense Project is seeking an attorney to provide legal consultations, advice and representation to low-income immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers before the U.Department of Homeland Security, U.Department of State, and U.This staff attorney position requires Spanish fluency, ability to engage in community outreach, and provide legal consultations at off-site locations. Conducts preliminary intake interview, gathers all relevant facts for presentation at Unit meetings.

Recommends exceptions to financial guidelines to the Supervisor.

Citizenship and Immigration Services and provides defensive representation for clients in removal proceedings.

Develops and implements case strategy based on client circumstances and immigration law and procedures. Prepares the case for hearing, drafting legal papers, engaging in negotiation, presenting evidence, etc. in accordance with the Immigration Court Practice Manual and Code of Professional Responsibility for the legal profession.

Has in-depth knowledge of legal and other resources.

Assists team in case management by processing mail and returning client phone calls on a rotating basis.

Remains current on immigration law, policies and procedures. Remains current on implications of criminal and civil law as it applies to the representation of immigrants and refugees.

Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS), government and social service organizations and community organizations. Interprets immigration and department policies and programs to the public, including public speaking.

Participates in training on immigration procedures as assigned by the Supervisor. May conduct training sessions as assigned by the Supervisor.

Participates in developing and implementing special projects and may have the primary responsibility for a project involving presentation of a particular ethnic group, immigration problem or advocacy issues on a systematic level.

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. Participates in periodic evaluative reviews and/or in-house and external staff training to ensure that she/he understands and continues to adhere to such standards. Initiates requests for assistance or guidance from Supervisor to address new issues or complex concepts affecting adherence to professional standards.

Strategic Thinking and Judgment - Makes thoughtful, informed decisions that consider client needs, legal requirements, and NIJC's mission. Maintains strong documentation practices and follows processes that support high‑quality legal services.

Cross-Functional Collaboration - Works effectively with attorneys, paralegals, pro bono partners, and community organizations. Equity-Centered Decision-Making - Approaches decisions with fairness, awareness, and respect for the lived experiences of immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. Change Navigation and Adaptability - Responds effectively to shifting policies, priorities, and client needs. Seeks feedback and uses it to improve the quality and impact of their work.

and one year of direct experience preferred in social service counseling and/or legal representation.

This position requires regular communication with clients in Spanish. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written Spanish.

Strong writing, editing, organizational, and computer skills required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The person in this position occasionally needs to move about the inside of the office to access filing cabinets, office machinery, etc.

Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a copy machine.

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 be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.