Application Guide
How to Apply for Director, Litigation
at National Immigration Law Center
🏢 About National Immigration Law Center
The National Immigration Law Center (NILC) is unique as a leading advocacy organization that specifically focuses on defending the rights of low-income immigrants through a racial, economic, and gender justice lens. Working here offers the opportunity to be part of a mission-driven team that combines litigation with policy advocacy and narrative change to create systemic impact for immigrant communities.
About This Role
As Director, Litigation, you'll lead NILC's strategic litigation efforts to protect immigrant rights, overseeing impact cases from development through trials and appeals. This role is impactful because it directly shapes legal strategies that defend vulnerable communities while mentoring legal staff and collaborating across departments to integrate litigation with broader advocacy goals.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve reviewing pleadings for ongoing impact cases, meeting with Policy team members to align litigation with advocacy goals, and supervising attorneys on case strategy. You could spend the afternoon preparing for an appellate argument while mentoring a Legal Fellow on discovery techniques, then wrap up by coordinating with Communications on messaging for an upcoming trial.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who National Immigration Law Center Is Looking For
- A seasoned litigator with 10+ years of experience including substantial federal court and appellate practice, ideally in immigration, education, or healthcare law
- A proven leader with 4+ years of management experience who can supervise attorneys, develop cases strategically, and mentor junior staff effectively
- Someone deeply committed to social justice who understands how to align litigation with policy advocacy and narrative change strategies
- An attorney who thrives in collaborative environments and can work seamlessly with Policy, Communications, and Development teams
📝 Tips for Applying to National Immigration Law Center
Highlight specific federal court or appellate immigration cases you've led or significantly contributed to, quantifying your impact where possible
Demonstrate your understanding of NILC's intersectional approach by mentioning how you've integrated racial, economic, or gender justice into past litigation
Showcase your management philosophy with concrete examples of how you've supervised attorneys and developed their professional growth
Research and reference specific NILC litigation campaigns or recent cases to show genuine engagement with their work
Explain how your litigation experience connects to policy outcomes or narrative change, not just legal victories
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your experience leading strategic litigation that protects immigrant rights, particularly in federal courts', "How you've successfully managed legal teams and mentored attorneys in social justice contexts", 'Your ability to collaborate across departments to integrate litigation with policy and communications strategies', "Your commitment to NILC's specific mission of advancing rights for low-income immigrants through racial, economic, and gender justice"]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review NILC's recent litigation docket and major cases on their website to understand their current priorities
- → Study their organizational structure and how the Legal Department interacts with Policy, Strategy and Partnerships teams
- → Familiarize yourself with their stated values around racial, economic, and gender justice and how they apply to litigation
- → Research their key partnerships with other immigrant rights organizations to understand their collaborative approach
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Focusing only on litigation wins without discussing how they advanced broader social justice goals
- Presenting as purely a technical litigator without showing understanding of NILC's intersectional advocacy approach
- Failing to demonstrate experience with the specific immigrant communities NILC serves, particularly low-income populations
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to National Immigration Law Center!