Pro-Bono Immigration Project Staff Attorney

Metropolitan Family Services empowers families to learn, to earn, to heal, to thrive. Part mentor, part motivator, part advocate, since 1857, Metropolitan Family Services has been the engine of change that empowers families to reach their greatest potential and positively impact their communities. Metropolitan is Illinois’ first comprehensive human services agency and reaches more than 117,000 individuals and families in Chicago, Evanston/Skokie, the southwest suburbs and DuPage County with services promoting education, economic stability, emotional wellness and empowerment. For 100 years, LAS and Metropolitan Family Services have partnered to provide the most comprehensive legal and social services to the most vulnerable people in our communities.

We are now hiring for a full-time Staff Attorney to join the Pro-Bono Project & Individual Rights & Social Justice Practice Group in our Legal Aid Society team!

The staff attorney will be responsible for managing and building out the pro-bono immigration work at LAS. The staff attorney will report directly to the Pro-bono director, but will participate in case acceptance and team meetings with the Individual Rights & Social Justice Practice Group.

The Individual Rights & Social Justice Practice Group provides legal representation to victims of crime and currently has projects that focus specifically on services to victims of human trafficking and immigrant victims of crime.  In addition, Individual Rights & Social Justice Practice Group engages in numerous direct outreach, training, and technical assistance throughout Illinois. As part of a trauma informed practice we believe in reducing barriers to assist clients, which includes being willing to meet with clients in safe locations outside the attorneys main location.

Please submit cover letter and resume. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

• Under supervision of the Pro-bono Director & the Managing or Supervising Attorney will oversee the U/VAWA pro-bono project.
• Under direction of the Pro-bono director identify, recruit, and train firms to assist with pro-bono immigration matters.
• Create, maintain, and update as necessary pro-bono resource database including training manuals, FAQs, and resource guides for pro-bono teams working in VAWA & U visa cases.
• Create, update, and conduct trainings for pro-bono attorneys on U & VAWA.
• Maintain regular communication and track status of cases placed with pro-bono teams, working to have teams file cases within 6 months of accepting the matter.
• Provide technical assistance to team while they are preparing applications and review and provide feedback on all applications prior to submission.
• Attend IRSJ case acceptance meetings to identify cases that are ripe for pro-bono placement and maintain list of ready to place cases. Gather all required documents from clients necessary for pro-bono placement.
• In consultation with leadership explore opportunities for expanding type of pro-bono immigration opportunities and help develop appropriate resources for new types of cases.
• In consultation with leadership explore opportunities for brief services and immigration consultations with MFS and the broader community that would either lead to identifying individuals for placement within pro-bono immigration programs or creating pro-bono workshops or opportunities targeting immigrant community.
• Handle a small case load as needed.
• Using client centered trauma informed techniques, provide high quality legal services to clients in all aspects of representation, from interviewing to litigation.
• Maintains client files and tracks and records additional activities and data as requested.
• Support the mission of the agency through active engagement, participation, and leadership opportunities.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Law Degree and admission to Illinois Bar required.
  OR admission to another State with ability to obtain admission in Illinois.
• Employment with MFS requires proof of vaccination or an approved Medical exemption, required.
• Knowledge and experience practicing immigration law is required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Highly developed work management skills.
• Must be able to work independently.
• Must be able to respond to large numbers of clients in a professional and empathetic manner.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse individuals and groups.
• Ability to learn and use technology and software programs used by LAS.
• Fluency in second language beyond English,  strongly preferred.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

MFS staff are required to provide proof of vaccination or have an approved Medical exemption prior to starting employment. If an approved Medical is obtained, weekly testing is required.

SALARY:

Compensation is commensurate with years of related experience, position requirements, and candidate qualifications. The average salary for the position is $62,905.

Metropolitan Family Services offers a very generous benefits packet to our professionals:

• Blue Cross and Blue Shield Medical Coverage: HMO, Traditional PPO, or PPO w/ health savings contributions.
• Dental and Vision Insurance Options
• 12 paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Flexible Spending
• Opportunities for Student Loan Forgiveness
• 401K Plan
• Training and Professional Development Plan with E- Learning
• Wellness Initiative Program
• Employee Assistance Network

Apply HERE