Supervising Attorney

Description:

Program Description:
A Non-Profit Organization provides direct legal services to, and advocates for, immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers through policy reform, impact litigation, and public education. Since its founding more than three decades ago, NIJC has been unique in blending individual client advocacy with broad-based systemic change. Headquartered in Chicago with offices in Washington, DC, and Indiana, NIJC's team of 100+ attorneys, paralegals, and professionals, along with 2,000 pro bono attorneys, is at the forefront of immigration reform.
Summary:
The Supervising Attorney supervises a legal team that provides legal orientation services through the Immigration Court Helpdesk (ICH) at the Chicago Immigration Court. The Supervising Attorney will provide regular ICH services at the Chicago Immigration Court and through the hotline as well as overseeing a legal team providing these services. They provide legal representation and counseling to non-detained immigrants appearing before the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of State (DOS), and if appropriate, before the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) and the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). This person will supervise an in-house legal team, ensure quality legal counsel and representation, provide case support, and oversee the day-to-day operations, as well as the ongoing training and professional development of supervisees. As a member of NIJC's supervisory team, the supervisor will collaborate with NIJC's other legal services projects, pro bono partners, litigation, policy, and communications teams. Individual accountabilities and work volume will be established through the development of annual Success Objectives.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Supervises legal orientation services and oversees paralegals, attorneys, interns and support staff providing legal orientation services at the Immigration Court Helpdesk, including the development of ICH materials and preparation of case filings.
• Supervises legal services and oversees paralegals, attorneys, interns and support staff providing legal services; including the development of case strategy, preparation, and representation before governmental agencies.
• Ensures accurate data entry by paralegals, attorneys, and interns.
• Oversees and reviews legal intakes; makes legal assessments and determinations regarding representation.
• Ensures timely case preparation, including case opening process, preparing filings, trial preparation, appeals, case closures, and other case management practices.
• Works with supervisory team to build a strong team and oversee the team's projects.
• Provides recommendations based on case trends to inform project-based strategic decisions.
• Maintains and develops strategic partnerships with key stakeholders.
• Conducts factual and legal research.
• Provides legal representation to immigrants in immigration proceedings, including before an immigration officer, an immigration judge, and before the Board of Immigration Appeals as appropriate.
• Drafts correspondence and documents, including applications, briefs and reports.
• Improves delivery of legal services, including use of technology to improve efficiency.
• Conducts legal presentations regarding law and case(s) to NIJC staff and members of the immigrant community.
• Maintains accurate, thorough and timely records.
• Identifies trends and emerging issues and responses to issues.
• Maintains current knowledge regarding immigration law and policies and procedures.
• Advances an anti-racist organization that promotes diversity, equity and inclusion
• Reacts to change productively and handles other essentials 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.

• Education and/or Experience: A law degree (JD), license to practice law and at least 3 years' experience in the legal field, preferably in the field of immigration law. Previous supervisory experience preferred but not required.
• Language Skills: Fluency in English and Spanish is required. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Demonstrated competency in public speaking and strong interpersonal skills required. Additional non-English language skills are preferred.
• Computer Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer, Outlook/Exchange; Windows operating systems; and other software routinely used by Heartland Alliance.
• Driving: May be required to have a current, valid IL Driver's License. May be required to drive their own vehicle and/or an Organization vehicle to and from sites.
• Reasoning Ability: Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

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