Staff Attorney National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC)

About NIJC

Are you passionate about championing the rights of immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers? Look no further than the National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC, NFP) The National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC, NFP) 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.

At NIJC, we represent, advocate, and educate to make a difference in the lives of individuals and families. We provide comprehensive support to immigrants and refugees, ensuring they receive the justice and dignity they deserve.

With offices in Chicago, Washington, DC, Indiana, and San Diego, NIJC is strategically positioned to serve diverse communities across the nation. Our dedicated team of over 170 attorneys and professionals, supported by a network of 2,000+ pro bono attorneys, works tirelessly to provide individualized client advocacy while driving systemic change efforts.

Join NIJC in making a difference. Apply today to be part of our dedicated team!

Job Summary:

NIJC seeks human rights/immigration attorneys with all years of experience, including recent law graduates to join our nationally recognized team. Attorneys at NIJC engage at forefront of impact litigation, public policy advocacy, and furthering NIJC's mission. Successful candidates will work independently and collaboratively, locally and nationally, demonstrating meticulous attention to detail, clear communication, and effective time management.

• Immigrant Legal Defense (Spanish required) - NIJC's Immigrant Legal Defense project offers a wide range of legal services to low-income immigrants seeking to apply for lawful permanent residence (green cards), citizenship, visas, and other legal protection from deportation.


• Asylum- NIJC provides free legal representation to asylum seekers fleeing persecution in their homelands.


• Children's Project for non-detained and Children's Protection Project- NIJC's legal staff can help children who entered the country as unaccompanied minors assess their options for immigration legal relief.


• LGBTQ Project- Individuals seeking safety from persecution based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.


• Detention project - The Detention Project provides legal orientation and representation to immigrant adults held by the Department of Homeland Security/Immigration and Customs Enforcement in immigration detention in Illinois, Wisconsin, Kentucky, and Indiana.


• Litigation – Work on federal litigation cases and collaborate with NIJC's communication, policy, and litigation teams and pro bono attorneys.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Prepare cases, negotiate, and advocate in accordance with professional standards.


• Assess clients' needs and provide comprehensive legal services.


• Maintain expertise in immigration law and related policies.


• Foster relationships with relevant organizations and communities.


• Uphold ethical standards, ensuring client confidentiality and conflict avoidance.


• Maintain accurate records and contribute to training and special projects.


• Identify trends and recommend advocacy strategies.


• Adhere to professional standards and participate in ongoing training.


• Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication.


• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.


• Meticulous organizational skills and attention to detail.


• Proficient time management, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.


• Ability to prioritize tasks and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.


• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or similar software.

Education and Qualifications:

• Juris Doctorate Degree required.


• Minimum three years of law practice, preferably in immigration or human rights law.


• Fluency in Spanish (reading, speaking, and writing) required.


• Ability to interpret and respond to complex instructions.

Locations:

Attorneys will work in Chicago, IL, Goshen, IN, Indianapolis, IN, or Washington DC. NIJC offers a hybrid work environment.

Work Environment: 

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 inside 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.