Attorney Position at the National Immigration Law Center

Position and Background

The National Immigration Law Center (NILC) is seeking a policy attorney or analyst to help advance a national agenda on immigration enforcement issues that will protect the civil and constitutional rights of low income immigrants. This position offers a unique opportunity to work on a complex range of areas related to federal, state, and local immigration enforcement issues.

Over the past 30 years, NILC has earned a national reputation as a leading expert on the complex interplay between immigrants’ legal status and their rights under U.S. laws. Our policy advocacy has played a key role in promoting and advancing the rights of low-income immigrants to be free from rights violations in the context of immigration enforcement programs and actions, and we have provided advocates and organizers with the necessary tools to help support immigrants in these situations. NILC’s litigation has also resulted in significant victories, including litigation challenging wrongful detention practices and state anti-immigrant laws. Our trainings, publications, and technical assistance reach an unusually diverse constituency of immigrants, community-based organizations, interfaith groups, attorneys, government officials, and pro bono attorneys representing low-income immigrants. NILC’s headquarters is in Los Angeles, and a branch office is in Washington, D.C.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Policy Director, Director of the DC office, and staff to develop and implement NILC’s immigration enforcement policy agenda.
• Engage in administrative and legislative advocacy to protect the rights of low-income immigrants in the immigration enforcement context.
• Analyze Congressional and administrative proposals related to NILC’s policy priorities.
• Draft talking points for Congressional staff and allies and action alerts for NILC’s network.
• Conduct presentations to a wide range of audiences, including before government agencies and policymakers.
• Work closely with the NILC’s staff to engage state and local organizations to participate in federal advocacy.

Education/Training

Juris doctorate or master’s degree with a minimum of 3-5 years experience in area of immigration enforcement; or, bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 5 years experience in area of immigration enforcement.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of immigration enforcement issues affecting low-income immigrants;
• Demonstrated experience in federal legislative and administrative advocacy in Washington, D.C required.
• Strong planning and organizational skills with demonstrated ability to take initiative and create an agenda for the work;
• Experience working with diverse constituencies (immigrants, immigrant advocates, attorneys, grassroots organizers, etc);
• Excellent research and analytical skills;
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and effectively in writing and verbally; demonstrated ability to work with a team;
• Experience working with the media on immigration enforcement issues;
• Relationships with Congressional and administrative staff strongly preferred; and
• Spanish language ability preferred

Salary and Benefits

Salary DOE. Benefits include health, dental, and vision; 403(b) retirement plan after two years.

To Apply

Deadline to apply for this position is November 7, 2011. Please send a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and five professional references to the National Immigration Law Center, Ref# IEPA0811ID, by email to jobs@nilc.org. Position is open immediately. Please do not send duplicate materials. Incomplete applications will not be considered. NO PHONE CALLS, PLEASE.

NILC is an equal opportunity employer; people of color and individuals from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. NILC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic background, citizenship status, religion, political orientation, gender, sexual orientation, age, or disability.