Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Lead Staff Immigration Attorney - IDPL (Citizenship)

COMPANY DESCRIPTION
Instituto del Progreso Latino is a community organization whose mission is to contribute to the fullest development of Latino(a) immigrants and their families through education, training and employment that fosters participation in the changing U.S. society while preserving cultural identity and dignity. Founded in 1977 to help Latino’s learn basic skills, pass the civil service exam and obtain higher paying post office jobs, Instituto has grown to a flourishing educational center serving over 14,000 Chicago families per year.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Lead Staff Immigration Attorney at Instituto del Progreso Latino is responsible for directing daily operations for Immigration Legal services and supervising a small group of attorneys and intake assistants to conduct attorney based legal reviews for eligibility and submit applications to USCIS for TPS, Asylum, EAD, Parole in Place, U Visas and other forms of affirmative relief. The Lead Staff Immigration Attorney will also provide a limited amount of direct legal representation and immigration legal service counseling to immigrants appearing before the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), for the above matters. The position also provides technical support to pro bono counsel. The Lead Staff Immigration Attorney who joins Instituto will be expected to assume the following responsibilities:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage and direct day to day operations for Immigration Legal services and supervise a small group of attorneys and intake assistants to conduct attorney based legal reviews for eligibility and submit applications for forms of relief such as TPS, Asylum, EAD, Parole in Place, U Visas and other forms of affirmative relief.
• Manage case docketing and decisions in regard to representation, for example to refer matters to private attorneys, to accept on a limited scope basis, or to accept with full representation.
• Prepare a limited number of cases for interview or hearing, including drafting legal papers, conducting client advocacy, presenting evidence, etc. in accordance with the Code of Professional Responsibility for the legal profession.
• Analyze the workflow of the Immigration Legal Services Office, including client communication, document handling, case load, and customer service; and to make recommendations for systems improvement, and help the executive and management team to implement such recommendations.
• Work with program partners and local universities to recruit program interns, obtain expert advice for complicated cases, and expand ties with key partners.
• Carries a volume of work as required by the department.
• Collaborate with and provide legal advice to pro bono attorneys and DOJ accredited representatives on their immigration law caseload.
• Assist Human Resources in Establishing Evaluation Criteria for legal staff employee evaluations, and quality of legal assistance and document handling.
• Work on developing and maintaining training standards and materials for all immigration staff and pro bono attorneys.
• Monitor changes to immigration law, regulations and policy. Prepare for significant changes in immigration law and their impact on client services.
• Represent Instituto at community functions, and at other events as requested.
• Assist with centralized workshop staffing by attending workshops on site as requested.
• Assist with identifying, vetting, and writing proposals for funding for immigration legal services when requested by the Development Department and executive staff.
• Conduct Know Your Rights presentations and other related workshops.
• Supervise intakes at off-site Immigration Clinics at partnering organizations.
• Provides technical support to pro bono counsel.
• 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.
• Develops and maintains professional relationships with EOIR, DHS, U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS), government and social service organizations and community organizations as necessary.
• 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.
• Perform other responsibilities needed to ensure Instituto Immigration team’s success.

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION

• Juris Doctorate Degree required.
• At least three years of practicing law with a preference in immigration and/or human rights law.
• Self-motivated and committed to civil liberties advocacy.
• Ability to represent individuals in complex cases and to formulate and implement sophisticated legal strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively on a variety of projects with lawyers, other staff members, and diverse community organizations and coalitions.
• Immigration Court experience.
• Demonstrated team-player with exemplary interpersonal skills in collaborating and communicating with others.
• Ability to succeed in a fast-paced nonprofit start-up environment.
• Fluency in Spanish strongly preferred.
• 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 write 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.

The above is intended to describe the general conditions of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities and requirements.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Nature of work requires an ability to stand for long periods of time, speak during presentations in front of groups, and operate standard business office equipment. Requires ability to communicate and exchange information, collect, compile and prepare work documents, set-up and maintain work files. Must be available to work on site at Instituto del Progreso Latino and/or centralized workshop as required.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Majority of work performed in a general classroom and office environment. Position requires availability for extended hours plus non-traditional hours required to perform job duties. Also requires participation and attendance at organization sponsored events and meetings.

Instituto del Progreso Latino is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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