Staff Attorney

Profile

Staff Attorney, Immigrant Legal Defense Project

The candidate provides individual and general information sessions and self-help workshops as part of the Immigration Court HelpDesk at the Chicago Immigration Court. Conducts preliminary intake interview, gathers all relevant facts for presentation at Unit meetings. Makes assessment of income eligibility and makes appropriate referrals for those individuals not eligible for Organization services. Recommends exceptions to financial guidelines to the Supervisor. Develops and implements preliminary case strategy in terms of immigration law and procedure. Develops further strategy in terms of immigration law and procedure. Develops further strategy in consultation with supervisor. Prepares the case for hearing, drafting legal papers, engaging in negotiation, presenting evidence, etc. in accord with the Code of Professional Responsibility for the legal profession. Conducts assessment of client on social, psychological and economic functioning and determines appropriate interventions and referrals. Ensures the provision of a wide range of services for clients. Carries a volume of work as required by the department. Has in-depth knowledge of legal and other resources. Provides a wide range of court advocacy services. 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. Develops and maintains professional relationships with the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS), Executive Office for Immigration Review, social service organizations, and community organizations. Interprets immigration and department policies and programs to the public, including public speaking. In accord with the ethical standards required of the legal profession, the Code of Professional Responsibility, preserves client confidentiality, accounts for client monies and avoids conflict of interest. Maintains complete and accurate client records. Prepares timely statistical reports. Conducts biannual case audits for presentation and review of the Supervisor. Participates in training on immigration law and procedures. May conduct training sessions as assigned by the Supervisor. Participates in developing and implementing special projects, 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. Interprets and translates for department and other Organization staff as needed. 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. Other duties may be assigned. Must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Juris Doctorate Degree required; and one year of direct experience in social service counseling and/or legal representation. Fluency in English and Spanish is required. Fluency in French desired but not required. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Demonstrated competency in public speaking and strong interpersonal skills required. Additional non-English language skills are preferred. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer, Outlook/Exchange; Windows operating systems; and other software routinely used by Heartland Alliance. 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. 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.

Additional Information

Job ID: 8128.

Company info

National Immigrant Justice Center
208 S. La Salle St. Suite 1818
Chicago
Illinois
United States 60604
Website : http://www.immigrantjustice.org/