Staff Attorney, Immigration Court Helpdesk, NIJC

About NIJC

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 100 attorneys, paralegals, and professionals, along with 2,000 pro bono attorneys, is at the forefront of immigration reform.

Job Summary:  

NIJC seeks a human rights/immigration attorney with all years of experience, including recent law graduates, to join our nationally recognized team. NIJC's Immigration Court Helpdesk provides support to non-detained, unrepresented individuals and families in removal proceedings before the Chicago and Indianapolis Immigration Courts. The Immigration Court Helpdesk attorney will guide and assist unrepresented individuals through removal proceedings. Successful candidates will work independently and collaboratively on pro se matters, locally and nationally, demonstrating meticulous attention to detail, clear communication, and effective time management. This is a hybrid role based in Chicago.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:  

• Staff the Immigration Court Helpdesk (ICH) in-person at the Chicago Immigration Court and remotely, in rotation with other ICH staff.
• Conducts individual legal assessments with pro se helpdesk participants, gathering all relevant facts for legal orientation, legal advice, hearing preparation, pro se document preparation, and/or referral to other NIJC projects for additional assistance.  Recommends appropriate referrals for those individuals not eligible for helpdesk services.
• Develops and implements case strategies through independent research and writing as well as collaboration with colleagues.
• Monitors the ICH hotline text messages and email inbox and responds to participant inquiries.
• Prepares applications, motions, notices of appeal, and other documents for pro se participants to be filed with EOIR.
• Remains current on immigration law, policies, and procedures. 
• Develops and maintains professional relationships with the Executive Office for Immigration Review, government and social service organizations, and community organizations. 
• Maintains complete and accurate participant records. Prepares timely statistical reports. 
• Collaborates with other NIJC projects on Pro Se matters.
• Participates in Asylum Project and Immigration Court Helpdesk meetings regarding procedures, data entry and case monitoring, case questions, trends, and training.
• Participates in training on immigration procedures as assigned by the Supervisor. May conduct training sessions as assigned by the Supervisor.
• Participates in developing and implementing special projects.
• Identifies trends and recurring legal and social concerns. Recommends strategies for solutions and other needed advocacy.
• Adapts to programmatic and community needs. Carries a small direct representation caseload if necessary.

Competencies

• Strategic Thinking and Judgment - Makes thoughtful, informed decisions that consider client needs, legal requirements, and NIJC's mission.
• Operational Excellence - Delivers accurate, timely, and well-organized work. Maintains strong documentation practices and follows processes that support high-quality legal services.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration - Works effectively with attorneys, paralegals, pro bono partners, and community organizations. Shares information, communicates clearly, and contributes to a supportive team environment.
• Equity-Centered Decision-Making - Approaches decisions with fairness, awareness, and respect for the lived experiences of immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. Identifies and avoids barriers that could impact access to services.
• Communication and Influence - Communicates clearly and compassionately with clients, colleagues, and partners.
• Change Navigation and Adaptability - Responds effectively to changing policies, priorities, and client needs. Maintains flexibility in a fast-paced environment and adjusts workflows as circumstances evolve.
• Client Service Orientation - Demonstrates empathy, patience, and professionalism, especially when clients are navigating trauma or uncertainty.
• Problem Solving and Continuous Improvement - Identifies issues early, proposes solutions, and looks for ways to strengthen processes. Seeks feedback and uses it to improve the quality and impact of their work.

Qualifications:

• Education & Experience: Juris Doctor (JD) required.
• Language: This position requires regular communication with clients in Spanish. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written Spanish
• Technology: Proficient in Microsoft 365 applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and SharePoint.

How to Apply

Please Include:

• Your resume
• A brief cover letter that highlights your interest in this role, why the work resonates with you, and any experience that connects to NIJC's mission and the responsibilities of the position.

Physical Abilities Statement

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation 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 the inside of 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. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

For any technical issues please contact recruiting@immigrantjustice.org