Legal Supervisor Immigrant Legal Defense Project, 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 over 100 attorneys, paralegals, and professionals, along with 2,000 pro bono attorneys, is at the forefront of immigration reform.

The Legal Supervisor supervises a legal team within NIJC's Immigrant Legal Defense Project, and provides legal representation and counseling to non-detained immigrants appearing before the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of State (DOS), and, if appropriate, before the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) and the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). This person will also supervise an in‑house legal team, ensure quality legal counsel and representation, provide case support, and oversee day‑to‑day operations, as well as the ongoing training and professional development of team members.

As a member of NIJC's supervisory team, the supervisor will occasionally collaborate with NIJC's other legal services projects, pro‑bono partners, litigation, policy, and communications teams. Individual accountabilities and work volume will be established through the development of annual Success Objectives.

• Supervises legal services and oversees paralegals, attorneys, interns and support staff providing legal services; including the development of case strategy, preparation, and representation before governmental agencies.
• Ensures accurate data entry by paralegals, attorneys, and interns.
• Oversees and reviews legal intakes; makes legal assessments and determinations regarding representation. Ensures timely case preparation, including case opening process, preparing filings, trial preparation, appeals, case closures, and other case management practices.
• Works with supervisory team to build a strong team and oversee the team's projects. Provides recommendations based on case trends to inform project‑based strategic decisions. Maintains and develops strategic partnerships with key stakeholders.
• Conducts factual and legal research.
• Provides legal representation to immigrants in immigration proceedings, including before an immigration officer, an immigration judge, and before the Board of Immigration Appeals as appropriate.
• Drafts correspondence and documents, including applications, briefs and reports.
• Improves delivery of legal services, including use of technology to improve efficiency. Trains lawyers and non‑lawyers in immigration law.
• Conducts legal presentations regarding law and case(s) to NIJC staff and members of the immigrant community. Maintains accurate, thorough and timely records.
• Identifies trends and emerging issues and responds to issues.
• Maintains current knowledge regarding immigration law and policies and procedures. Advances an anti‑racist organization that promotes diversity, equity and inclusion. Reacts to change productively and handles other essential duties as assigned.

• Your resume
• A compelling cover letter

• Why you are interested in this specific role and in working for NIJC
• How your unique skills and experience will enable you to make a significant impact on our team and help us achieve our mission.
• A specific, brief example of a project or accomplishment from your past that best demonstrates your relevant qualifications.

• Education and/or
  
  Experience:
  
  A law degree (JD), license to practice law and at least 3 years' experience in the legal field, preferably in the field of immigration law; or a bachelor's degree with at least 3 years' experience as a Department of Justice accredited representative. Previous supervisory experience preferred but not required.
• Language
  
  Skills:
  
  Fluency in English and Spanish is required. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Demonstrated competency in public speaking and strong interpersonal skills required. Additional non‑English language skills are preferred.
• C…