Staff Attorney - Immigrants & Workers' Rights (TSAP)

About This Role

Legal Aid Chicago is seeking a Staff Attorney for the Trafficking Survivor Assistance Project (TSAP) within the Immigrants & Workers’ Rights Practice Group (IWR). This role focuses on providing trauma-informed legal representation and advocacy to survivors of human trafficking, particularly in labor trafficking and immigration law.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload and provide full and limited scope legal representation.
• Interview eligible clients on a wide range of immigration issues with a focus on identifying trafficking.
• Represent clients in applications before USCIS, DOS, and EOIR in detained and non-detained proceedings.
• Represent and advocate for victims.
• Work collaboratively with Legal Aid Chicago staff, students, and volunteers to provide comprehensive legal services.
• Maintain accurate case files and timely record timekeeping.
• Assist with grant reporting, as appropriate and applicable.
• Conduct community education outreach and build relationships with community partners.
• Participate in training agencies, advocates, clients, or community groups about legal services and rights.
• Participate in other activities related to poverty law including publication, legislative and administrative advocacy, media relations, and fundraising.

Requirements

• Licensed to practice law in Illinois OR licensed in another state and eligible to waive into the Illinois bar OR law school graduate who will take July 2025 Illinois bar exam and eligible for 711 license.
• Professional working proficiency in Spanish.
• At least two years’ experience as a practicing attorney.

Qualifications

• Law degree
• At least two years’ experience as a practicing attorney, with a strong preference for immigration law and/or legal support to trafficking victims.

Nice to Have

• Strong preference for immigration law experience.
• Experience providing legal support to trafficking victims/witnesses involved in cases being prosecuted by law enforcement.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Exceptional organizational skills.
• Ability to work well under pressure.
• Strong client counseling skills based in a trauma informed approach.
• Collegial and committed to working collaboratively within a team.
• Effective in cross-cultural situations.
• Ability to manage an independent caseload efficiently.

Benefits