Careers

Managing Attorney

The Immigration Project is seeking a full-time Managing Attorney to lead our team in zealous advocacy efforts both through their own direct representation of clients, but also through mentoring and training other team members. The Managing Attorney is responsible for representing clients and completing casework across various immigration-based subjects with a focus on humanitarian and complex family-based immigration issues.

The ideal candidate will have a proven ability to advocate for a diverse set of clients through direct representation on immigration matters. He or she will be committed to filing for immigration relief in a fast-paced environment and able to handle a heavy caseload while being able to maintain and balance the mentorship and supervision of fellow colleagues as well as pro bonos, interns, volunteers, and community members. This position is an excellent opportunity to engage with policymakers, governmental organizations, other nonprofits and advocacy groups to bring about real change in the lives of our clients.

Company Overview

The Immigration Project is a dynamic immigration legal aid organization located in Normal, Illinois, with a satellite office in Champaign, Illinois. The agency is the largest non-profit immigration legal services agency located in downstate Illinois with immigration attorneys on staff and serves clients in 86 counties across central and southern Illinois. We understand the importance of immigration for our communities and believe in equal access to fairness and justice. Our goal is to advocate with, not for, our clients and walk alongside them through the legal process as they make the best decisions for their lives.

Job Details

The Managing Attorney, who is based in either Normal, IL or Champaign, IL and reports directly to the Legal Director, is responsible for:

• Maintaining a diverse client caseload focused on humanitarian-based immigration claims which may include defensive or affirmative asylum claims, VAWA/U Visa claims, applications for SIJS, family-based immigration claims, specifically waiver cases, and/or complex naturalization
• Mentoring and Supervising fellow colleagues to develop their own immigration knowledge and ability to zealously represent our clients within our service area
• Counseling immigrants and their families regarding immigration legal remedies virtually or by traveling to regional clinic locations and workshops throughout downstate Illinois
• Preparing immigration applications, attending USCIS interviews, researching applicable law, composing memoranda, writing client affidavits, and drafting motions and briefs
• Make regular visits to the Chicago and St. Louis USCIS field offices to represent clients
• Presenting to the public on asylum, Know Your Rights, recent executive orders, and other immigration matters
• Connecting clients with social services resources and opportunities presented by other Immigration Project programs
• Maintaining reporting and case management systems as required by internal policies
• Working collaboratively with and mentoring other staff, volunteers, Community Navigators, and interns
• Representing The Immigration Project in meetings, press-related events, regional/state associations, and other public forums
• Participating in grassroots organizing and advocacy efforts based on expressed community needs
• In accordance with the ethical standards required of the legal profession and the Code of Professional Responsibility, preserving client confidentiality, accounting for client monies, and avoiding conflicts of interest
• Performing other duties as assigned

Requirements

• License to practice law with membership in good standing to any state bar (Required, Illinois Preferred)
• 3-5 years of law experience, with at least two years of experience in immigration legal matters (Required)
• Asylum and Immigration law experience (Preferred)
• Previous experience supervising volunteers or administrative staff
• Demonstrated ability to serve clients in a professional, welcoming, and efficient manner
• Strong organizational ability
• High attention to detail
• Ability to pass various background checks to meet grant requirements
• Full-time position
• Ability to work out of either the Champaign or Normal, IL offices (Required)
• Ability and willingness to travel throughout Illinois regularly

Benefits

• Flex Time
• Paid Time Off
• Heath Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Travel Reimbursement

Application Instructions:

Please email a letter of interest, resume, and references to:

Legal Director: Danielle DeWinter at ddewinter@immigrationproject.org

Senior Staff Attorney

The Immigration Project is seeking a full-time Senior Staff Attorney to lead our team in zealous advocacy efforts both through their own direct representation of clients, but also through mentoring and training other team members. The Senior Staff Attorney is responsible for representing clients and completing casework across various immigration-based subjects with a focus on humanitarian and complex family-based immigration issues.

The ideal candidate will have a proven ability to advocate for a diverse set of clients through direct representation on immigration matters. He or she will be committed to filing for immigration relief in a fast-paced environment and able to handle a heavy caseload. He or she will also be willing to help foster the development of immigration knowledge to fellow colleagues as well as pro bonos, interns, volunteers, and community members. This position is an excellent opportunity to engage with policymakers, governmental organizations, other nonprofits and advocacy groups to bring about real change in the lives of our clients.

Company Overview

The Immigration Project is a dynamic immigration legal aid organization located in Normal, Illinois, with a satellite office in Champaign, Illinois. The agency is the largest non-profit immigration legal services agency located in downstate Illinois with immigration attorneys on staff and serves clients in 86 counties across central and southern Illinois. We understand the importance of immigration for our communities and believe in equal access to fairness and justice. Our goal is to advocate with, not for, our clients and walk alongside them through the legal process as they make the best decisions for their lives.

Job Details

The Senior Staff Attorney, who is based in either Normal, IL or Champaign, IL and reports directly to the Legal Director, is responsible for:

• Maintaining a diverse client caseload focused on humanitarian-based immigration claims which may include defensive or affirmative asylum claims, VAWA/U Visa claims, applications for SIJS, family-based immigration claims, specifically waiver cases, and/or complex naturalization
• Counseling immigrants and their families regarding immigration legal remedies virtually or by traveling to regional clinic locations and workshops throughout downstate Illinois
• Preparing immigration applications, attending USCIS interviews, researching applicable law, composing memoranda, writing client affidavits, and drafting motions and briefs
• Make regular visits to the Chicago and St. Louis USCIS field offices to represent clients
• Presenting to the public on asylum, Know Your Rights, recent executive orders, and other immigration matters
• Connecting clients with social services resources and opportunities presented by other Immigration Project programs
• Maintaining reporting and case management systems as required by internal policies
• Working collaboratively with and mentoring other staff, volunteers, Community Navigators, and interns
• Representing The Immigration Project in meetings, press-related events, regional/state associations, and other public forums
• Participating in grassroots organizing and advocacy efforts based on expressed community needs
• In accordance with the ethical standards required of the legal profession and the Code of Professional Responsibility, preserving client confidentiality, accounting for client monies, and avoiding conflicts of interest
• Performing other duties as assigned

Requirements

• License to practice law with membership in good standing to any state bar (Required, Illinois Preferred)
• 2+ years of law experience (Required)
• Asylum and Immigration law experience (Preferred)
• Previous experience supervising volunteers or administrative staff
• Demonstrated ability to serve clients in a professional, welcoming, and efficient manner
• Strong organizational ability
• High attention to detail
• Ability to pass various background checks to meet grant requirements
• Full-time position
• Ability to work out of either the Champaign or Normal, IL offices (Required)
• Ability and willingness to travel throughout Illinois regularly

Benefits

• Flex Time
• Paid Time Off
• Heath Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Travel Reimbursement

Application Instructions:

Please email a letter of interest, resume, and references to:

Legal Director: Danielle DeWinter at ddewinter@immigrationproject.org

Director of Development

The Immigration Project (serving Central and Southern Illinois) is accepting applications for the position of a Development Director.  

Location: Normal, IL 

Date Posted: 2/1/2024, Application Open Until Position Filled 

Schedule: Long-term, full-time

Agency Information
The Immigration Project (TIP) is a growing, dynamic, organization that seeks to walk alongside our immigrant neighbors through a combination of legal and social services, education, and advocacy.  The agency is the largest non-profit immigration legal services agency located in downstate Illinois. Serving clients in 86 counties outside of the Chicago/Cook County area, The Immigration Project has an impact on communities across central and southern Illinois. TIP’s staff and volunteers operate from office locations in Normal, IL and Champaign, IL and remotely throughout the state and internationally.

Position Summary
The Development Director supports TIP’s mission by actively seeking and maintaining partnerships with individual donors, corporate donors, and sponsors. They will work with the Fundraising and Outreach Committee and the Executive Director to lead development efforts which includes developing fundraising plans, organizing events, seeking new donors, and maintaining current donor relationships. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Collaboratively develop and implement annual fundraising strategies to achieve fundraising goals. 
• Help hold successful fundraising events in Bloomington-Normal, Champaign-Urbana, and in other areas in central and southern Illinois. 
• Develop branded materials to convey TIP’s impact to potential and current donors. 
• Promptly thank donors and maintain year-long donor engagement. 
• Seek corporate sponsorships and other opportunities to collaborate with business partners. 
• Enter and track donor data in Little Green Light and coordinate with the finance team to ensure all donations are properly recorded and reported.  
• Provide required weekly, monthly, quarterly and/or annual reports to Supervisor as assigned.
• Other job duties may be assigned.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years experience in development and/or event planning required
• Ability to take initiative, work independently and as part of a team
• Excellent computer/database skills, willingness to adapt to new technologies for the purposes of word processing, data entry, spreadsheets, and electronic file management
• Strong verbal and written (analytical and expository) communication skills
• Excellent time management skills – ability to handle interruptions, meet deadlines, maintain focus on tasks, produce accurate work and manage multiple projects with attention to detail
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders
• Previous experience working with immigrant communities and/or legal aid preferred.
• Ability to thrive in a flexible, fast-paced and growth-oriented environment, while maintaining a cooperative, friendly, and helpful attitude with constituents and co-workers.
• Driver’s license and ability to travel required.
• Position based in either Normal, IL or Champaign, IL office. Some remote work authorized, must be able to be in office at least 2 days per week.    

Salary
Commensurate with experience. Generous benefits package including flex time, vacation, personal, and sick days, full medical insurance and annual contributions into a Health Savings Account, optional participation in dental and vision insurance. Retirement benefits available after two years.

Application Instructions
Please email a letter of interest, resume, and references to:
Executive Director Charlotte Alvarez, Esq.
calvarez@immigrationproject.org

Application Deadline: Rolling basis until position filled

Job Overview:

The Staff Attorney will be joining/assisting to create a new universal representation model program within The Immigration Project (TIP). TIP recently joined a new initiative supported by the governor of Illinois to try to eliminate unrepresented litigants in front of the Chicago Immigration Court. We along with other immigration legal aids in Illinois are accepting cases for detained individuals in front of the Chicago Immigration Court on a merits blind basis based on capacity. This closely aligns with our current program representing children both in detention, but as well as in their removal cases in front of the Chicago Immigration Court. Therefore, the Staff Attorney will be responsible for representing both detained adults and children as well as children released from detention in their removal matters to attempt to secure immigration relief.

The ideal candidate for this role has practical experience with hearings and preparing casework, speaks and writes fluently in Spanish and English, is highly organized and detail-oriented, and has a connection, personal or professional, to the immigration process. This position is for you if you are looking to join a movement to not only end detention, but ensure every immigrant has a right to counsel, enjoys working with children as clients, have the ability to communicate effectively with various audiences, and is a proactive team member who can self-manage a high volume of work.

Company Overview:

The Immigration Project is a dynamic immigration legal aid organization located in Normal, Illinois, with a satellite office in Champaign, Illinois. The agency is the largest non-profit immigration legal services agency located in downstate Illinois with immigration attorneys on staff and serves clients in 86 counties across central and southern Illinois. We understand the importance of immigration for our communities and believe in equal access to fairness and justice. Our goal is to advocate with, not for, our clients and walk alongside them through the legal process as they make the best decisions for their lives.

Job Details:

The Staff Attorney, who is based in either Normal, IL or Champaign, IL and reports directly to the Managing Attorney, is responsible for:

● Maintains a diverse client caseload of adults and children either in detention or recently released from detention in their removal defense cases under the supervision and mentorship of the managing attorney or legal director.

● Counsels immigrants and their families regarding immigration legal remedies virtually or by traveling to regional clinic locations and workshops throughout downstate Illinois.

● Directly represents adults or children while they remain in the detention center as well as those released within our geographic zone.

● Prepares immigration applications, attends USCIS interviews, makes appearances before EOIR, researches applicable law, composes memoranda, writes client affidavits, and drafts motions and briefs.

● Makes regular visits to the Chicago Immigration Court to represent clients.

● Presents to the public on citizenship, Know Your Rights, recent executive orders, and other immigration matters.

● Connects clients with social services resources and opportunities presented by other Immigration Project programs.

● Maintains reporting and case management systems as required by internal policies.

● Works collaboratively with and mentors administrative staff, volunteers, Community Navigators, and interns.

● Represents The Immigration Project in meetings, press related events, regional/state associations, and other public forums.

● Participates in grassroots organizing and advocacy efforts based on expressed community needs.

● In accordance with the ethical standards required of the legal profession and the Code of Professional Responsibility, preserves client confidentiality, accounts for client monies, and avoids conflicts of interest.

● Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

● License to practice law with membership in good standing to any state bar (Required, Illinois Preferred)

● Fluent in Spanish (Required)

● Immigration law experience (Preferred)

● Experience working with children as clients (Preferred)

● Previous experience working with indigenous communities, survivors of domestic violence, or low-income individuals

● Strong organizational ability

● High attention to detail

● Ability to learn technical and legal information

● Ability to pass various background checks to meet grant requirements

● Full-time position

● Ability to work out of either the Champaign or Normal, IL offices (Required)

● Ability and willingness to travel throughout Illinois regularly

Benefits:

● Flex Time

● Paid Time Off

● Health Insurance

● Dental Insurance

● Vision Insurance

● Travel Reimbursement

Application Instructions:

Please email a letter of interest, resume, and references to:

Legal Director: Danielle DeWinter at ddewinter@immigrationproject.org

Position: Translation and Interpretation Intern

Job Location: Remote 

Academic Credit: Yes

Pay:  Unpaid unless the intern is not receiving any academic credit. 

          Non-credit interns may apply for stipend of up to $500/sem for 50+ hours work

Position Description 

Work with the legal team to translate documents and interpret for client appointments

Duties

• Translate documents to 
• Attend events in your geographical area or/and virtually 
• Attend training and weekly meetings virtually

Position Requirements 

• Applicants must be bilingual in either English and Spanish, or French and English
• Computer skills
• Organized and detail-oriented

How to Apply 

Apply at www.immigrationproject.org/volunteer-or-intern

Questions?

smellor@immigrationproject.org

Position: New Americans Initiative intern

Job Location: Normal, IL office.  Some remote work possible. 

Academic Credit:  Yes

Pay:  Unpaid unless the intern is not receiving any academic credit. 

          Non-credit interns may apply for stipend of up to $500/sem for 50+ hours work

Position Description 

Work with the New Americans legal team to help immigrants obtain citizenship and resolve other immigration legal issues. 

Duties

• Manage correspondence on the DACA and NAI email
• Utilize spreadsheets with client information to set up workshop appointments
• Create and maintain client files updated with newly received documents
• Coordinate workshops with volunteers and clients
• Revise USCIS forms for filing
• Meet with clients for form signing and discuss the process
• Put together finalized forms for mailing 
• Manage Zoom clinic meetings between legal representatives and clients
• Help with data for Outreach 

Position Requirements 

• Bilingual preferred but not required
• Computer skills
• Organized and detail-oriented

How to Apply 

Fill out the intern application at www.immigrationproject.org/volunteer-or-intern 

Questions?

smellor@immigrationproject.org 

Position: Social Services intern 

Job Location: Remote 

Academic Credit: Yes

Pay:  Unpaid unless the intern is not receiving any academic credit. 

          Non-credit interns may apply for stipend of up to $500/sem for 50+ hours work

Position Description 

Work with the Social Services team to help immigrants with financial assistance, mental health, healthcare, public benefits, education, housing and other needs

Duties

• Process applications using spreadsheets and internet-based programs
• Communicate with clients in Spanish to assess needs and eligibility
• Attend events in your geographical area and virtually to promote Immigration Project
• Attend training and weekly meetings virtually

Position Requirements 

• Applicants must be bilingual in English and Spanish, 
• Computer skills
• Organized and detail-oriented
• Must live in Illinois

How to Apply 

Apply at www.immigrationproject.org/volunteer-or-intern 

Questions?

smellor@immigrationproject.org

The Immigration Project: Paralegal

The Immigration Project is seeking a full-time Paralegal to assist our team in zealous advocacy efforts through their partnership with our staff to represent our clients in our communities. The Paralegal is responsible for assisting in completing casework across various immigration-based subjects with a focus on humanitarian, family-based, and naturalization immigration issues as well as maintaining accurate files, assisting in office administrative tasks, and handling filings. 

The ideal candidate will have a proven ability to work alongside others to advocate for a diverse set of clients through direct representation on immigration matters. He or she will be committed to assisting clients in filing for immigration relief in a fast-paced environment and able to handle a robust workload. He or she will also be willing to participate in workshop model efforts to address the increased need for new arrivals. 

Company Overview

The Immigration Project is a dynamic immigration legal aid organization located in Normal, Illinois, with a satellite office in Champaign, Illinois. The agency is the largest non-profit immigration legal services agency located in downstate Illinois with immigration attorneys on staff and serves clients in 86 counties across central and southern Illinois. We understand the importance of immigration for our communities and believe in equal access to fairness and justice. Our goal is to advocate with, not for, our clients and walk alongside them through the legal process as they make the best decisions for their lives.

Job Details

The Paralegal, who is based in  Normal, IL and reports directly to the the Senior Supervising Immigration Attorney, is responsible for:

• Maintaining a diverse client caseload focused on humanitarian-based immigration claims which may include defensive or affirmative asylum claims, VAWA/U Visa claims, applications for SIJS, family-based immigration claims, specifically waiver cases, and/or complex naturalization alongside members of the TIP legal team
• Gathering information through immigration consultations virtually or by traveling to regional clinic locations and workshops throughout downstate Illinois and collaborating with TIP’s legal team
• Preparing immigration applications, researching applicable law, composing memoranda, writing client affidavits, and drafting legal arguments
• Presenting to the public on asylum, Know Your Rights, recent executive orders, and other immigration matters
• Connecting clients with social services resources and opportunities presented by other Immigration Project programs 
• Maintaining reporting and case management systems as required by internal policies
• Working collaboratively with and mentoring other staff, volunteers, Community Navigators, and interns
• Representing The Immigration Project in meetings, press-related events, regional/state associations, and other public forums 
• Participating in grassroots organizing and advocacy efforts based on expressed community needs 
• In accordance with the ethical standards required of the legal profession and the Code of Professional Responsibility, preserving client confidentiality, accounting for client monies, and avoiding conflicts of interest
• Provide administrative support to maintain reporting and case management systems as required by internal policies and grant requirements
• Assisting in conforming to filing procedures and maintaining those procedures for the office which include assist in filing and managing incoming and outgoing mail
• Performing other duties as assigned   

Requirements

• Bachelors and/or Associates Degree (Preferred)
• Fluent in Spanish (Required)
• Previous experience working with immigrant communities, indigenous communities, children, victims of domestic violence, low-income individuals, and/or removal defense (Preferred)
• Demonstrated ability to serve clients in a professional, welcoming, and efficient manner
• High attention to detail
• Ability to pass various background checks to meet grant requirements
• Full-time position
• Ability to work out of either the Champaign or Normal, IL offices (Required)
• Ability and willingness to travel throughout Illinois regularly
• Strong organizational ability; attention to detail and accuracy, and demonstrated ability to learn technical and legal information
• Ability to thrive in a flexible, fast-paced and growth-oriented environment, while maintaining a cooperative, friendly, and helpful attitude with clients and co-workers

Benefits

• Pay dependent on experience
• Flex Time
• Paid Time Off
• Heath Insurance
• Dental Insurance 
• Vision Insurance
• Travel Reimbursement 

If interested, please send your resume and letter of interest to The Immigration Project’s Senior Supervising Attorney, Evisa Kambellari, at ekambellari@immigrationproject.org.