Staff Attorney, MICA Project

The Migrant and Immigrant Community Action Project (MICA Project) is a
community organization committed to working with low-income immigrants to
overcome barriers to justice. The MICA Project utilizes legal services,
organizing, advocacy, and education to promote the voice and human dignity of
immigrant communities.

Position:

The Immigration Staff Attorney/Fully Accredited Representative works with clients to provide immigration legal services through direct representation in applications for immigration benefits before USCIS and direct representation for immigrants and their families facing immigration removal proceedings in Immigration Court. This position is funded by the Illinois Access to Justice initiative and will focus on representing residents of Illinois. The Staff Attorney/Fully Accredited Representative will also participate in the organization’s Community Outreach Program, providing Know Your Rights presentations and community workshops as needed and in collaboration with community partners.

Ability to represent clients in Immigration Court is a requirement for this position. Applicants must either be licensed attorneys or eligible to immediately apply for full accreditation. Partially accredited representatives will not be able to complete the necessary functions of the position. Cultural and linguistic fluency are highly valued. Persons of color, persons with disabilities, and gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer individuals are encouraged to apply.

Starting annual salary( $60,000-$65,000) is determined by our equity-based compensation plan (which includes additional compensation for experience) and thus is non-negotiable. Benefits include generous paid vacation leave and PTO, health and dental insurance coverage, retirement account, CLINIC and/or AILA membership, state bar dues, and professional development opportunities. The organization will also provide documentation and mentorship around Public Service Loan Forgiveness and other loan repayment assistance programs for candidates who wish to pursue these options.

Responsibilities:

• Provide legal representation to clients in immigration matters, coordinate and manage caseload
• Supervise assigned volunteers and interns
• Conduct individual client interviews and follow-up appointments
• Prepare various immigration filings, documents, applications, packets and liaising with government agencies
• Prepare all necessary legal documents in individual cases, including (but not limited to) briefs, petitions, motions, applications and appeals
• All staff members play a key role in collective duties within the office including daily operations and organizational development
• Participate in community outreach efforts as needed, including group processing events;
• Maintain grant reporting data on clients and services
• Maintain professional contacts in local and national immigration community, as well as attend immigration taskforce and USCIS meetings
• Maintain and establish relationships with community-based organizations, community partners, immigration service providers, policy/advocacy groups and coalitions relevant to the MICA Project’s work
• Ensure the avoidance of conflicts of interest. Generally, outside legal casework is prohibited, as it could lead to a conflict or give rise to a professional liability claim;
• Grant reporting and tracking
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Education/licensure: J.D. from an accredited ABA institute and license to practice law in the United States required; OR immediately prepared to apply for Fully Accredited Representative status
• Passion for MICA’s mission and values (dignity, voice, equity, community).
• Immigration law experience preferred – law school clinic work, externships, or other similar training may be considered. Experience with criminal defense, family law, or litigation in combination with a willingness to learn immigration law will also be considered. Experience working in a high volume, social justice law firm is a huge plus.
• Lived experience in a multi-cultural setting or familiarity with different cultures, especially Latin America, is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively work with…