POSITION SUMMARY
We are seeking a passionate and collaborative full-time Immigration Attorney with a minimum of 2 years of experience practicing in front of USCIS and EOIR. The immigration attorney will provide immigration consultations and representation for individuals seeking immigration benefits before USCIS and EOIR. This is a Full-Time, Exempt position.
JOB DESCRIPTION/RESPONSIBILITIES:
Legal Services and Case Management
Provide expert consultation and representation to clients including case preparation and follow-up.
Work collaboratively with Program Manager and team members to maintain a caseload of affirmative and defensive cases.
Prepare immigration applications, attend USCIS interviews, make appearances before the EOIR, research applicable law, compose memoranda, write client affidavits, and draft motions and briefs as needed.
Make appropriate referrals as necessary for immigration legal services beyond the scope of the program.
Maintain comprehensive up-to-date client notes, including date, subject matter, and resolution in the client file, and notify clients of all activity regarding their case in a timely manner in accordance with UAO’s Immigration Legal Services Program procedures.
Attend required team, program meetings and training to increase knowledge and skills.
Represent UAO at meetings, conferences, and/or legislative visits when necessary.
Assist with various projects and perform other duties as assigned.
JD Required; At least 2 years’experience practicing immigration law strongly preferred.
Experience handling asylum, removal defense, and detained representation strongly preferred.
Possess advanced interpersonal communication skills and passion for social and economic justice, and sensitivity to challenges of the immigrant community.
Sensitivity to the needs and legal issues affecting people of diverse backgrounds.
Demonstrated ability to build relationships and work effectively with people of diverse social, faith, economic and racial/ethnic backgrounds.
Bilingual in English and French preferred.
Ability to stay organized, manage a high volume workload, and work under strict deadlines.
Must be proactive, a self-starter with a solution-oriented mindset, and a willingness to take initiative; Well organized with high attention to details and deliver accurate work within strict deadlines.
Willingness to work flexible hours as needed including evenings and weekends.
Salary: $65,000-$76,000 commensurate with experience; Health & Dental; PTO
Invaluable opportunity to make a difference in the lives of African immigrants and refugees
United African Organization (UAO) is a dynamic coalition of African community-based organizations that promotes social and economic justice, civic participation, and empowerment of African immigrants and refugees in Illinois. UAO engages in public policy advocacy, direct services, community education, as well as coalition-building to strengthen our movement to end racism, criminalization and economic disenfranchisement of Black immigrants and refugees. UAO provides its members with organizing and advocacy strategies, training and technical assistance on issues that affect their respective community members, and up-to-date information and policy analysis on immigrant- and refugee-related issues. UAO ensures the effectiveness of our member organizations by providing ongoing leadership development opportunities, promoting citizenship and civic participation, monitoring and analyzing immigrant-related laws and policies, forming cross-ethnic alliances, and informing the general public about the positive contributions of Black immigrants and refugees.