Managing Attorney LGBTQ Project, NIJC

About the position 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 over 100 attorneys, paralegals, and professionals, along with 2,000 pro bono attorneys, is at the forefront of immigration reform. Job Summary: The LGBTQ Immigrant Rights Initiative offers legal services to low-income immigrants who identify as LGBTQ or who are living with HIV. Reporting to the managing attorney, the senior attorney position provides technical support to pro bono counsel assigned to complex NIJC cases including affirmative, defensive, detained, and non-detained asylum cases. The person in this position may occasionally provide direct representation to clients as appropriate. This position is located in Chicago, IL, but remote candidates will be considered.

Responsibilities

• In consultation with other NIJC staff, the Managing Attorney creates manuals and guidelines to set out the LGBTQ Project's internal procedures and protocols in line with NIJC's mission and organizational best practices. This will include, for example, drafting and training staff on intake, case monitoring, case closing, and auditing procedures.
• Reviews intake referrals from the Immigration Court Helpdesk and community organizations and assigns them to LGBTQ Project staff. Monitors staff capacity to take on new intakes and case assignments.
• Ensures that the LGBTQ project is in compliance with funding and deliverable obligations and assists Development staff in completing reports.
• Supervises attorneys, paralegals, and coordinators.
• Reviews and provides constructive feedback on materials, including briefs, legal memos, affidavits, work permit applications, and other filings, and identifies cases for pro bono placement.
• Coordinates with community organizations to facilitate referrals and collaborate on trainings, community events, and both national and local advocacy projects.
• Supports in-house and pro bono teams in navigating various parts of the immigration legal system including entering appearances, filing FOIA requests, drafting legal arguments, obtaining corroborating evidence, and appearing before government agencies including the Asylum Office and the Immigration Court.
• Drafts practice advisories on various relevant legal topics.
• Presents at training and outreach events on topics including updates in immigration law and representation of LGBTQ asylum seekers.
• Provides direct representation to NIJC clients, including preparing cases for interview or hearing, drafting legal papers, conducting client advocacy, presenting evidence, etc. in accord with the Code of Professional Responsibility for the legal profession.
• 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.
• Maintains complete and accurate client records. Prepares timely statistical reports. Conducts routine case audits for presentation and review of the Supervisor.
• Identifies trends and recurring legal and social concerns. Recommends strategies for solutions and other needed advocacy.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

• Juris Doctorate Degree required; and at least three years of practicing law with a preference in immigration and/or human rights law; self-motivated and committed to civil liberties and LGBTQ advocacy; ability to represent individuals in complex cases and to formulate and implement sophisticated legal strategies.
• This position requires assisting clients in Spanish. Spoken and written Spanish speaking ability is required. Excellent writing and analytical skills; Ability to communicate effectively in legal and non-legal settings with a wide range of individuals and organizations. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to draft reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

Nice-to-haves

• Fluency or proficiency in a language in addition to English is a plus.

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