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 a unique organization that combines legal advocacy with racial, economic, and gender justice to defend the rights of low-income immigrants. As the only national advocacy group solely focused on this mission, NILC offers the chance to work on high-impact litigation that directly shapes immigration policy and protects vulnerable communities.
About This Role
As Director of Litigation, you will lead NILC’s litigation efforts, managing a team of attorneys and coordinating with advocacy and communications staff to challenge unjust immigration policies. This role is impactful because your work will directly defend the rights of low-income immigrants and set legal precedents that affect millions nationwide.
💡 A Day in the Life
Your day might start with a team check-in to discuss ongoing cases, followed by reviewing briefs or drafting motions. You could then meet with policy colleagues to align litigation with advocacy goals, and later oversee a strategy session on a new case. The role balances court deadlines with internal leadership and external coalition-building.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who National Immigration Law Center Is Looking For
- Experienced civil litigator with at least 8-10 years of practice, including significant federal court experience and a track record of leading complex impact litigation.
- Deep commitment to racial, economic, and gender justice, with demonstrated experience working with low-income immigrant communities.
- Strong team leadership skills, able to supervise and mentor litigation staff while fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment.
- Excellent strategic thinking and case management abilities, with experience coordinating with policy advocates and communications teams.
📝 Tips for Applying to National Immigration Law Center
Tailor your resume to highlight impact litigation experience, especially cases involving immigrant rights, civil rights, or constitutional law.
In your cover letter, explicitly connect your personal or professional background to NILC’s mission of racial and economic justice.
Showcase any experience working in coalition with community organizations or in multi-disciplinary advocacy campaigns.
Include specific examples of how you have managed litigation teams, including mentoring junior attorneys and fostering equity.
Research NILC’s recent litigation docket (e.g., cases on public charge, DACA, or detention) and reference them in your application to show genuine interest.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your commitment to NILC’s mission and values, especially racial justice and equity.', 'Your experience leading complex litigation that advanced the rights of marginalized communities.', 'Your ability to manage a team and work collaboratively with policy and communications staff.', 'Your understanding of the unique challenges facing low-income immigrants and your strategic approach to litigation.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review NILC’s current litigation docket on their website, including cases on public charge, DACA, and detention conditions.
- → Read NILC’s annual reports or strategic plans to understand their priorities and recent wins.
- → Familiarize yourself with NILC’s policy positions on key immigration issues, such as the Protecting Immigrant Families campaign.
- → Look into the backgrounds of NILC’s legal team (e.g., the Legal Director and current litigators) to understand their expertise.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Avoid a generic application that does not specifically address NILC’s mission or mention immigrant rights.
- Do not downplay the importance of racial and gender justice; NILC explicitly integrates these values into their work.
- Avoid emphasizing only litigation experience without showing how you collaborate with non-legal teams (policy, comms).
📅 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!