Deputy Director, Legal

About the Organization

Founded in 1979, the National Immigration Law Center (NILC) is a leading non-profit organization (501(c)(3)) in the U.S. exclusively dedicated to defending and advancing the rights and opportunities of low-income immigrants and their loved ones. NILC’s mission is grounded in the belief that everyone living in the U.S., regardless of race, gender/gender identity, immigration status, or economic status, should have equal access to justice, resources, and educational and economic opportunities that enable them to achieve their full human potential.

Together, NILC and the affiliated NILC Immigrant Justice Fund (IJF), a 501(c)4 organization, work to advocate more directly for federal immigration reform policies. NILC is committed to advancing its mission—which intersects race, immigration status, and class—through racial, economic, and gender justice and equity orientation.

NILC is at an exciting moment in its organizational trajectory, supporting a five-year strategic framework and scaling its work through influencing systems, policy advocacy at federal and state levels, movement and power building, narrative and culture strategies, and continuous improvements to operational models. We are looking for entrepreneurial, results-driven relationship builders committed to NILC’s mission and values of racial justice & equity, valuing diversity, fostering partnerships & collaboration, encouraging respect & personal well-being, and striving for transparency, integrity, and honesty.

About the Position

The Deputy Director, Legal, leads and collaborates with NILC’s Legal and other Advocacy Department staff in a matrix workgroup environment to advance programmatic work based on NILC’s strategic framework.

This role requires an experienced civil litigator and legal advocate who successfully leads litigation teams of Staff and Senior Staff Attorneys, Paralegals, and administrative staff in impact litigation and legal advocacy, in coordination with NILC’s other strategies of policy analysis, movement power building, strategic communications, and narrative change.

The Deputy Director, Legal is responsible for:

Substantive and strategic legal work

Supervision and management of the Legal team

Operationalizing strategy to maximize team efficiency, productivity, and performance

Supporting the ongoing creation and stewardship of NILC’s organizational culture

This role is not a member of the bargaining unit.

Specific Position Responsibilities

Litigation and Legal Strategy

Support the Legal Director in developing and executing litigation and legal advocacy strategies that integrate narrative change, movement power building, and campaign strategies.

Collaborate with the Policy Department and other Advocacy Departments to execute law and policy, movement power building, and narrative change work.

Lead litigation teams in developing and conducting impact litigation on a range of issues, including preparing pleadings, motions, briefs, conducting discovery, presenting oral arguments, and handling appeals.

Strategically oversee plaintiff-driven, community-grounded impact litigation in combination with NILC’s other strategies.

Identify potential new cases and play a role in developing them.

Serve as a legal and litigation expert in coalitions with external partners.

Advance administrative and legislative advocacy by providing legal analysis and technical assistance.

Represent NILC in media related to legal work and litigation.

Management, Leadership, and Supervision

Participate in leadership and management of the Legal Department, including project management, skills development, and team support.

Supervise, support, and mentor Staff Attorneys, Senior Staff Attorneys, and NILC Legal Fellows in litigation and professional skills development.

Lead effective case teams promoting a collaborative, team-oriented approach.

Collaborate across workgroups to support ongoing programmatic work.

Report to leadership about programmatic developments, administrative needs, and broader institutional concerns.

Assist with responding to requests for assistance, case development, and legal representation.

Collaborate on employee work schedules, training, vacation planning, and telecommuting.

Provide insights to workgroups to assign work tasks effectively.

Assist in managing the quarterly Board reporting process.

Develop, track, and revise the Departmental budget; set agendas for weekly LMT and Legal Department meetings.

Partner with Development and/or Finance Departments on grants and reporting.

May lead or participate in cross-functional projects using the MOCHA framework.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Support recruitment, interviewing, and onboarding of staff.

Oversee daily workflow of direct reports.

Provide coaching, mentorship, and constructive feedback to foster a collaborative environment.

Actively manage direct and indirect reports using performance management software.

Handle discipline and performance issues according to organizational policy.

Manage employees, outside consultants, third-party administrators, and vendors.

Shared Organizational Responsibilities

Champion NILC & IJF’s mission and demonstrate commitment to human rights and justice.

Participate in organization-wide meetings and initiatives.

Develop relationships across teams, assuming good intent and valuing diverse perspectives.

Follow through on commitments with ownership and accountability.

Learn quickly, experiment with solutions, and extract lessons from challenges.

Act with integrity in all actions.

Center NILC’s values of racial justice & equity, diversity, collaboration, respect, and transparency.

Other duties may be assigned depending on organizational need.

What We’re Looking for in This Role

Commitment to NILC & IJF’s mission and demonstrated commitment to human rights, racial, economic, and social justice.

Collaborative, proactive, action-oriented working style with a service mentality.

Sound judgment, high integrity, and respect for confidentiality.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Self-starter with ability to align daily tasks with organizational goals.

Inclusive management style valuing diverse perspectives and team development.

Experience in coaching, feedback, and professional growth for team members.

Qualifications Required

JD degree and active membership in good standing of a State Bar Association.

8+ years of litigation experience, including 6+ years in complex federal civil litigation, and 4+ years of people management experience.

Experience investigating, developing, and litigating impact cases.

Demonstrated success leading case teams and supervising other attorneys, fellows, or interns.

Proficiency with MS Office, internet research, and virtual collaboration tools.

Preferred Qualifications

Expertise in civil rights, anti-discrimination law, federal class action litigation, or other areas affecting low-income immigrants.

Proficiency in non-English languages spoken by Latinx, Asian, Pacific Islander, African, Caribbean, and Arab communities; multilingual fluency desirable.

NILC encourages applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply. Our goal is for our staff to reflect the communities we serve.

Location & Travel

Office located in Washington, D.C.

Up to 30% overnight interstate travel may be required (generally quarterly, 3–5 nights).

Remote work allowed in: Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Georgia, Maryland, Montana, North Carolina, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Wisconsin. Applicants must live in a designated work location.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary range: $111,800 – $150,000

NILC provides a competitive nonprofit sector compensation and benefits package.

Physical Demands

Remaining stationary, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.

Communicating with others to exchange information.

Repetitive motions, such as typing or answering phones, involving wrists, hands, and/or fingers.

Apply here