Staff Immigration Attorney-Centralized Pro-Se

Staff Immigration Attorney-Centralized Pro-Se Workshops Focus - IDPL (Citizenship Dept)

PART-TIME

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 Staff Immigration Attorney at Instituto del Progreso Latino (Centralized Pro-Se Workshops Focus) will assist and represent Instituto at Centralized Workshops for TPS and Pro Se Asylum to be held in Pilsen for a significant portion of the weekly schedule, with a focus on determining eligibility for TPS and asylum cases, or assistance with N-400 forms as requested by Instituto. The Immigration Staff Immigration Attorney who joins Instituto will be expected to assume the following responsibilities:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform legal reviews by interviewing clients in English or Spanish to determine eligibility for legal remedies.
• Assist in supervising and/or filling out applications such as TPS, Asylum, Change of Venue, N-400 as requested, and assures that applications are completely and correctly filled out, and have all needed supporting documentation in order to be filed.
• Assist and represent Instituto at Centralized Workshops for TPS and Pro Se Asylum for a significant portion of the weekly schedule or as requested. 
• Collaborate with and provide legal advice to pro bono attorneys and DOJ accredited representatives on their immigration law caseload.
• 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.
• May conduct Know Your Rights presentations workshops.
• 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 and Immigration Services (USCIS), government and social service organizations and community organizations as necessary. 
• 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. 
• Other duties as assigned.

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.
• Must be able to work on site at Instituto del Progreso Latino or in downtown Chicago for the weekly PT schedule.
• 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.

WORKING CONDITIONS  

Majority of work performed in a general office environment.  Position requires availability for extended hours plus non-traditional hours required to perform job duties.  

BENEFITS

403b retirement saving plan (if working more than 20 hours per week).

PAID TIME OFF

Paid Sick Leave

Paid Leave

Instituto del Progreso Latino is an Equal Opportunity Employer