Staff Attorney

Erie Neighborhood House has provided the most comprehensive support immigrant and low-income families in Chicago need to thrive and has constantly evolved to meet their needs. Today, Erie House is a modern social services nonprofit with programming and resources for children and youth, mental health and community wellness, adult education and training, legal services, and more. Through these programs, we empower the people we work alongside to build powerful communities.

The full-time Staff Attorney will be a position in the Legal Services Department, directly impacting the immigrant community within the Chicagoland area and beyond. Reporting to the Supervising Attorney, the Staff Attorney’s basic function is to provide direct representation and advocacy for individuals seeking immigration benefits, with a focus on removal defense.  

In return for your commitment to Erie House and its mission to the community, you will enjoy excellent professional development and growth opportunities and have direct impact in building powerful communities. Be a part of one of the oldest and most respected Settlement Houses in the Chicago Land Area. 

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:
Direct Legal Services and Support

• Provide expert consultation, supervision of legal screenings, and representation to clients and potential clients including case preparation and follow-up;
• Perform factual and legal research and regularly monitor developments in immigration law and procedure;
• Actively participate in legal case review and other meetings needed to effectively provide excellent quality service to all clients;
• Explain relevant policies and case procedure to individuals;
• Provide legal oversight at workshops and supervise in-office volunteers when applicable;
• When needed, conduct community presentations and trainings during nontraditional business hours

Case Management

• Handle a caseload before USCIS, EOIR, the BIA, and other government agencies consisting primarily of removal defense for detained and non-detained clients, as well as asylum, petitions for family relatives, U-visas, VAWA, TPS, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), and naturalization
• Provide case management for immigration matters, including but not limited to preparing applications, maintaining client files and case records, drafting cover letters, client affidavits, and legal memoranda, providing translation and interpretation, reviewing case files, and representing clients at interviews and hearings;
• Ensure data is accurately entered and updated in case management system as required by internal policies and grant requirements;
• Make appropriate referrals as necessary for immigration legal services beyond the scope of the program;
• Attend and participate in required educational programs and staff meetings;
• Follow up on pending case work and maintain communication with clients via phone, email, or mail regarding missing documentation necessary for submission of application.

Administrative Support

• Represent department at meetings, conferences, and/or legislative visits when necessary;
• Assist in case management of immigration applicants at workshops and during office hours;
• Respond to all phone calls and email inquiries on immigration issues in a timely manner;
• Participate in on-going immigration trainings and other professional development;
• Maintain required attorney license and core professional competencies;

Perform other duties as assigned.

• Juris Doctorate degree and at least two (2) years practicing immigration law required;
• Written and oral fluency in English/Spanish required;
• Experience handling removal defense caseload strongly preferred;
• Excellent organizational, oral, and written skills;
• Solution-oriented mindset, with a willingness to take initiative while juggling several priorities;
• Strong proofreading and detail-oriented research and writing skills;
• Ability to prioritize and juggle multiple projects simultaneously and independently, often under pressure and in a fast-paced environment;
• Desire and ability to work independently, but also to perform in a team environment;
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with legal ethical and professional rules of conduct;
• Ability to stay organized, manage a high-volume workload, and work under strict deadlines;
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships and work effectively with people of diverse social, faith, economic and racial/ethnic backgrounds;
• Excellent professional judgment and interpersonal skills; ability to comfortably exercise calculated risks;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and case management software;
• Ability to work a hybrid schedule of at least two (2) days on site per week;
• Access to reliable transportation. Travel will be expected between various sites within Chicago city limits;
• Ability and willingness to work flexible hours as needed, including occasional Saturday workshops;
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice and sensitivity to challenges of the immigrant community.

TEAM MEMBER BENEFITS 

• Compensation of $65,000 - $70,000 / salary based on experience
• Work / life integration 
• Generous paid time off  

(examples below for full-time employment) 

• 12 accrued sick days per year 
• 3 personal days 
• Paid birthday off 
• 8 paid holidays, including Juneteenth 
• In addition to above paid holidays, paid week off between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day 
• Vacation 
• Year 1 = 8 days 
• Year 2 = 13 days 
• Year 3 + = 20 days 
• Access to alternative and flexible work schedules and personal leave, where possible 
• Two-weeks fully paid Parental Leave, for eligible employees  
• Time off for school conferences and activities as well as bereavement leave 
• Professional Development 
• Employer-sponsored learning and development programs 
• Paid day off annually for personal professional development  
• Tuition Assistance & Debt Relief Program, as budget allows 
• DEI Council-sponsored education and engagement series  
• Wellness support 
• Employer-sponsored health, dental, and vision insurance 
• Employer-paid life insurance 
• Voluntary life and AD&D and short and long-term disability 
• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical, vision and dependent care 
• 403b with employer match 
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Yoga, Zumba and Book Club, when onsite 

Union/Exempt

Erie Neighborhood House is dedicated to creating a workforce that promotes and supports diversity and inclusion. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals without discrimination. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact us at hr@eriehouse.org.  

NO TELEPHONE CALLS PLEASE!
MUST BE A MEMBER OF AFSCME OR JOIN AFTER 30 DAYS
ERIE NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
ACCREDITED BY NAEYC & NATIONAL AFTER SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
RECOGNIZED BY DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE; 
UNITED WAY MEMBER