Job Description

Immigration Attorney (Full-Time)

Location: Chicago’s Southwest Suburbs (Hybrid/In-Person)

Salary Range: $80,000–$90,000, commensurate with experience

Reports to: Executive Director 

About SSIP

The Southwest Suburban Immigrant Project (SSIP) is a community-based, grassroots organization that exists to dismantle barriers, build power, advance justice, and cultivate a sense of belonging for all immigrants in Chicago’s southwest suburbs. Our work is driven by a bold vision: a future where immigrant communities live unafraid, organized, and rooted in their collective power — honoring the wins of those who came before us, while building the world we need for future generations.

Position Summary

SSIP seeks a mission-driven, bilingual Immigration Attorney to lead and grow our innovative, community-centered legal clinic. This role will work closely with our DOJ-accredited representatives, community organizers, and local leaders to provide accessible legal services while building grassroots leadership and legal literacy among directly impacted people. We are building a model where legal work does not just protect, but empowers and transforms.

This attorney will represent clients in a range of immigration matters and also help shape an approach to lawyering rooted in community education, leadership development, and narrative change. Ideal candidates will be passionate about movement lawyering, skilled in community outreach, and ready to help advance immigrant rights and justice in Illinois’ underserved suburban areas.

Key Responsibilities

1. Provide direct legal representation to clients in immigration matters (including naturalization, LPR renewal, DACA renewal, and more).
2. Conduct legal consultations and maintain a caseload in line with organizational capacity and priorities.
3. Collaborate with organizers and community leaders to develop and lead Know Your Rights trainings, legal education workshops, and community forums.
4. Design and implement legal training programs for SSIP staff and community members seeking DOJ accreditation or legal field pathways.
5. Mentor and support community leaders interested in legal careers or advocacy work.
6. Assist in developing and refining systems and infrastructure for SSIP’s community lawyering model.
7. Contribute to grant proposals and reports to sustain and expand the legal clinic.
8. Stay abreast of immigration law changes through ongoing professional development and national/local coalition work.
9. Engage in advocacy efforts and narrative-shifting initiatives that center directly impacted voices.

What We’re Looking For:

Required:

1. J.D. from an accredited law school and active license to practice law in any U.S. state (Illinois preferred).
2. Fluency in English and Spanish — spoken and written.
3. 3+ years of experience practicing immigration law, particularly family-based, humanitarian, or removal defense cases.
4. Demonstrated commitment to racial equity, immigrant justice, and grassroots organizing.
5. Experience working with and in immigrant communities, preferably in a nonprofit, organizing, or movement-based setting.
6. Deep belief in client-centered, trauma-informed, and anti-oppressive legal practice.
7. Familiarity with popular education methods or experience explaining complex legal concepts in accessible ways.
8. Reliable transportation and willingness to travel across Will, DuPage, and surrounding counties for meetings and community events.

Preferred:

· Experience mentoring staff or community members in legal or leadership roles.

· Prior involvement with policy advocacy or narrative change campaigns.

· Familiarity with legal case management tools, databases, and remote work platforms.

Core Competencies & Values

· Lead with humility and center the voices of those most impacted.

· Are a bridge-builder — across cultures, languages, geographies, and lived experiences.

· Practice movement lawyering that prioritizes collaboration over control.

· Value r estorative practices , healing justice, and collective care.

· Are eager to challenge systemic injustices while supporting people in tangible, daily ways.

· Excel in environments that are fast-paced, non-hierarchical, and always evolving. 

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: $80,000–$90,000, depending on experience

Benefits

· Employer-sponsored health and dental coverage

· Short-term disability and life insurance

· 20+ paid holidays and generous PTO/sick time

· Professional development opportunities

· Flexible hybrid work schedule

· Retirement savings plan access

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

This is a full-time, exempt position averaging 40–45 hours per week, with a hybrid schedule. Evening or weekend work may be required occasionally to accommodate community workshops or rapid response needs.

Legal services, training, and team meetings may take place in person or virtually. PPE and health safety measures will be provided for in-person work. Candidates should be able to adapt to a variety of settings, including office, community spaces, and remote platforms.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

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