Managing Attorney

Company Description Northern Illinois Justice for Our Neighbors (NIJFON) is a nonprofit organization that provides free, high-quality immigration legal services to low-income immigrants across Northern Illinois. Supported by staff and volunteers, NIJFON offers legal clinics that combine skilled legal representation with hospitality, childcare, paperwork assistance, and free legal consultations for all clinic visitors. Rooted in the United Methodist Church, NIJFON is guided by a faith-based commitment to welcoming immigrants while fully embracing people of all backgrounds and beliefs. The organization assists with a wide range of immigration matters, including family-based petitions, humanitarian protections, removal defense, and pathways to legal status and citizenship. NIJFON is part of the national Justice for Our Neighbors network, which focuses on expanding access to immigration justice and advocacy.

Role Description

The Managing Attorney is a part-time, remote role responsible for overseeing and delivering high-quality immigration legal services while supporting NIJFON’s mission and values. The individual in this role will manage an active immigration caseload, including representation in matters such as family-based petitions, humanitarian visas, removal defense, and other relief. Daily responsibilities include providing direct legal advice and representation to clients, supervising legal staff and volunteers, reviewing casework for quality and compliance, and coordinating with clinic partners and community organizations. The Managing Attorney will conduct legal research, draft motions and filings, prepare clients for interviews and hearings, and maintain accurate and timely case records. This role also contributes to community education and advocacy initiatives, supports grant and reporting requirements, and participates in organizational planning to strengthen services for immigrant communities.

Qualifications

• Strong foundation in Law and immigration practice, with demonstrated experience providing Legal Advice in complex immigration matters.
• Experience or coursework in Labor and Employment Law relevant to immigrant worker issues and protections.
• Ability to conduct thorough Research on statutes, regulations, case law, and policy developments affecting immigration clients.
• Effective Negotiation skills for interacting with government agencies, opposing counsel, and other stakeholders on behalf of clients.
• Juris Doctor (JD) degree and active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction; eligibility to represent clients before USCIS and immigration courts.
• Prior experience in immigration law, particularly in areas such as asylum, family-based petitions, humanitarian relief, and removal defense.
• Commitment to racial, social, and economic justice, and comfort working with clients from diverse cultural, linguistic, and faith backgrounds.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex legal concepts in accessible language.
• Organizational and time-management skills to handle a part-time caseload, remote work responsibilities, and supervision duties.