Young Center Fellowship in Immigrant Child Law and Advocacy
The Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights, based at the University of Chicago Law School’s Kane Center for Clinical Legal Education, is seeking applications for a Fellowship in Immigrant Child Law and Advocacy, to commence in September 2012. The Young Center is dedicated to promoting the best interests—safety and well-being—of unaccompanied and separated immigrant children in the United States. The immediate focus of the Young Center’s work is to serve as Child Advocate (guardian ad litem for children in immigration proceedings) for unaccompanied and separated children pursuant to the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act. TheYoung Center also conducts policy advocacy at the local and national level to promote consideration of best interests in all decisions concerning immigrant children. The Young Center is a project of the Tides Center and is an independent non-profit organization based at the University of Chicago Law School.
The Fellow will assist with the supervision of law students serving as Child Advocate for unaccompanied immigrant children through the Immigrant Child Advocacy Clinic. The Fellow will be expected to assist with all levels of client work, including serving as Child Advocate, research, writing and advocacy. The Fellow will participate in the teaching of a weekly seminar, focused on issues arising in the immigration context for unaccompanied immigrant children and skills training.
Selection of the Fellow is contingent upon the approval of the University of Chicago Law School and the Office of the Provost. This position has the following minimum requirements:
- J.D. and appropriate authorization to practice law;
- A strong academic background, excellent writing and oral advocacy skills, and a commitment to public interest work;
- Proficiency in Spanish;
- Candidates with at least two years’ experience practicing immigration law are preferred;
- Ability to take initiative and also work collaboratively;
- Enthusiasm for working with volunteers and teaching law students;
- Passion, tenacity and optimism for the issues affecting immigrant children and their families.
Salary*/Benefits: Salary is commensurate with experience. The Young Center/Tides Center provides benefits, including health/dental/vision insurance, a flexible spending account for medical and dependent care, vacation, and sick leave. The Young Center/Tides Center is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity. *Salary beyond one year is contingent upon funding.
Applications should include a cover letter describing the candidate’s reasons for applying for the fellowship, current resume, law school transcript, writing sample and three references. Review of candidates will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Please email or fax application materials to Alexandra Laguna, Administrative Assistant, The Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights at the University of Chicago Law School. The fax is 773-702-2063.
For additional information, please visit the website.