Staff Attorney - Immigrants & Workers Rights

$68,072 - $68,072/Yr

L'a.f., - Chicago, IL

Full-time - Entry Level

Hybrid - Chicago, IL

Real Estate

About the position

Legal Aid Chicago is seeking a full-time Staff Attorney to join its Immigration Law team within the Immigrants & Workers' Rights Practice Group. This role focuses on providing trauma-informed advocacy and legal representation to individuals and families navigating immigration issues. The attorney will manage a caseload, participate in complex litigation, and engage in community outreach, all while working collaboratively within a supportive team environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload and provide full and effective legal representation to individuals.
• Maintain and grow competence in the different areas of Immigration law that the team practices.
• Interview eligible clients on a wide range of Immigration issues and provide advice and brief services for eligible immigrants.
• Participate in complex litigation or advocacy to address systemic issues.
• Participate in weekly team meetings to present new cases and reach team consensus on representation.
• Represent clients in applications before USCIS.
• Work collaboratively with Legal Aid Chicago staff, students, and volunteers to provide comprehensive legal services.
• Work with other IWR staff members in any interdisciplinary work.
• Make appropriate referrals both internally and to outside agencies.
• Maintain accurate and timely timekeeping in electronic case management system.
• Assist with grant reporting and project management as appropriate and applicable.
• Conduct weekly outreach at the Chicago Immigration Court.
• Conduct community education and outreach and build relationships with community partners in poverty fighting efforts.
• Participate in training to agencies, advocates, clients, or community groups about legal services and rights impacting low-income persons and other vulnerable persons.
• Participate in other activities related to poverty law including publication, permissible legislative and administrative advocacy, media relations, and fundraising as needed.
• Handle other duties as determined by the Supervisory Attorney and the Director.

Requirements

• Licensed to practice law in Illinois or in another state.
• Experience in Immigration Law preferred.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to work well under pressure.
• Strong client counseling skills and enjoyment in interacting with clients.
• Commitment to and experience with client communities and/or people living in poverty.
• Spanish proficiency required.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with community education and outreach.
• Familiarity with poverty law and related advocacy.

Benefits

• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution after one year of employment.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance effective the first day of employment.
• 15 vacation days and 18 sick days accrued within the first year of employment.
• 19 paid holidays, including four floating holidays.
• Twelve weeks of Paid Parental Leave at 100% of the salary after six months of employment.
• $50,000 Basic Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance at no cost.
• Access to Employee Assistance Program resources at no cost.
• Monthly internet reimbursement.