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 Immigration Staff Attorney at Instituto del Progreso Latino is responsible for systems improvement, workflow analysis, customer service systems, on line client service improvements, mechanisms for evaluation of legal staff, and other responsibilities related to expanding legal services. The full time staff attorney will also provide some direct legal representation and immigration legal service counseling to immigrants appearing before the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with a focus on the representation of cases involving adjustment of status, U visa, T Visa, VAWA, Removal Defense; and SIJS among other immigration matters. The position also provides technical support to pro bono counsel. The Staff Attorney who joins Instituto will be expected to assume the following responsibilities:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Analyze the workflow at the Office, including client communication, document handling, case load, and customer service; make recommendations for systems improvement, and help the Coordinator implement such recommendations.
• Assist with writing proposals for funding for immigration legal services when requested by the Department of Development and executive staff.
• Prepares cases for interview or hearing, including drafting legal papers, conducting client advocacy, presenting evidence, etc. in accord with the Code of Professional Responsibility for the legal profession.
• Carries a volume of work as required by the department.
• Develops and implements case strategies.
• Collaborate with and provide legal advice to pro bono attorneys and DOJ accredited representatives on their immigration law caseload;
• Work on developing and maintaining training standards and materials for all immigration staff and pro bono attorneys
• 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;
• Conduct Know Your Rights presentations and other related workshops;
• Supervise intakes at off-site Immigration Clinics at partnering organizations;
• Provides technical support to pro bono counsel.
• 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 & Immigration Services (USCIS), government and social service organizations and community organizations as necessary.
• Interprets immigration and department policies and programs to the public, including public speaking.
• 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.
• Perform other responsibilities needed to ensure Instituto Immigration team’s success.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 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 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.