Application Guide
How to Apply for Director, Litigation
at National Immigration Law Center
🏢 About National Immigration Law Center
The National Immigration Law Center is unique as the leading U.S. advocacy organization exclusively focused on defending low-income immigrants' rights through a combination of litigation, policy, and strategic communications. Working here offers the opportunity to drive systemic change for vulnerable communities while collaborating with dedicated experts across legal, policy, and advocacy fields.
About This Role
As Director of Litigation, you'll lead NILC's strategic litigation efforts, overseeing impact cases in federal courts to protect immigrant rights while managing and mentoring legal staff. This role directly shapes the organization's legal advocacy and influences broader immigrant justice through collaboration with policy and communications teams.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve reviewing litigation strategy for ongoing federal cases, mentoring staff attorneys on case development, and collaborating with policy colleagues on advocacy alignment. You'd likely spend time analyzing legal developments affecting immigrant communities while managing team workflows and participating in organizational strategy meetings.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who National Immigration Law Center Is Looking For
- A litigator with 10+ years of federal court and appellate experience, particularly in immigration, civil rights, or related fields
- A proven leader with 4+ years managing legal teams, developing complex litigation strategies, and mentoring attorneys
- Someone passionate about NILC's mission who can demonstrate experience advocating for low-income immigrant communities
- A strategic thinker who can collaborate effectively across departments to advance organizational goals
📝 Tips for Applying to National Immigration Law Center
Highlight specific federal court or appellate cases you've led that relate to immigration, education, healthcare, or civil rights
Quantify your management experience (e.g., 'supervised team of X attorneys on Y impact litigation cases')
Demonstrate knowledge of NILC's recent litigation work by referencing specific cases or advocacy campaigns
Show how your litigation strategy aligns with NILC's mission of advancing low-income immigrant rights
Emphasize experience collaborating with non-legal teams like policy or communications in advocacy work
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your strategic approach to impact litigation for immigrant communities', 'Specific examples of mentoring legal staff and managing complex litigation', "How your experience aligns with NILC's focus on low-income immigrant advocacy", 'Your ability to collaborate across departments to achieve organizational goals']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → NILC's recent litigation victories and ongoing cases (check their website and legal databases)
- → The organization's strategic priorities and current advocacy campaigns
- → Key staff in the Legal Department and their backgrounds
- → NILC's collaborative work with partner organizations in immigrant justice movements
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Focusing only on general litigation experience without highlighting immigration or civil rights work
- Failing to demonstrate understanding of NILC's specific mission for low-income immigrants
- Not providing concrete examples of leadership in legal team management and mentorship
📅 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!