Application Guide

How to Apply for Sr. Helpline & Immigration Counsel

at If/When/How: Lawyering for Reproductive Justice

🏢 About If/When/How: Lawyering for Reproductive Justice

If/When/How is a national nonprofit that uses legal advocacy to advance reproductive justice, centering the experiences of marginalized communities. It uniquely combines direct legal services, litigation, and policy work, and operates with a strong commitment to racial justice and anti-racist principles. Working here means being part of a mission-driven team that fights for bodily autonomy and equity.

About This Role

This role leads the immigration component of the Repro Legal Helpline, providing direct counsel to callers with immigration-related reproductive justice concerns. You'll also mentor and supervise Helpline Counsel, collaborate on criminal defense cases, and help shape the Helpline's capacity to address systemic barriers. The impact is direct and profound, supporting individuals facing intersecting legal crises.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with reviewing Helpline call logs and supervising counsel on complex immigration cases. You could take calls from individuals seeking advice on U visas or asylum, then meet with the Litigation Team to consult on a criminal defense case with immigration consequences. Afternoon might involve training staff on new immigration policies or conducting legal research, with time set aside for one-on-one mentoring sessions.

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Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who If/When/How: Lawyering for Reproductive Justice Is Looking For

  • A seasoned immigration attorney (4+ years) with deep experience in removal defense, asylum, and family-based petitions, who understands the intersection of immigration and reproductive justice.
  • A bilingual (Spanish/English) legal leader who can provide culturally competent, trauma-informed services to diverse callers, including those with limited English proficiency.
  • A skilled supervisor with at least 2 years of experience managing attorneys, committed to fostering growth and ensuring high-quality, person-centered legal work.
  • An advocate with a demonstrated commitment to racial justice and reproductive justice, who can navigate complex legal issues with empathy and a systems-change lens.

📝 Tips for Applying to If/When/How: Lawyering for Reproductive Justice

1

Highlight specific experience with immigration relief for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, or trafficking (e.g., VAWA, U visas, T visas) as these are common Helpline issues.

2

Showcase your ability to provide remote, client-centered services—mention any experience with helplines, hotlines, or telehealth legal consultations.

3

Emphasize supervision experience with concrete examples of mentoring attorneys on complex immigration cases and managing performance.

4

Tailor your resume to include reproductive justice work or advocacy, even if volunteer, to demonstrate alignment with the mission.

5

In your cover letter, explicitly name your fluency in Spanish and English and provide examples of using both in legal settings.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Articulate your commitment to reproductive justice and how your immigration expertise serves that mission, especially for marginalized communities.', "Describe your supervisory philosophy and how you have supported junior attorneys' professional development.", 'Provide specific examples of handling immigration cases with a person-centered, trauma-informed approach.', 'Explain why you are drawn to If/When/How specifically, referencing their unique helpline model or recent advocacy.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read If/When/How's recent reports or blog posts on immigration and reproductive justice (e.g., 'The Intersection of Immigration and Abortion Access').
  • → Review the Repro Legal Helpline's website to understand the types of calls they handle and their intake process.
  • → Familiarize yourself with the organization's 'Lawyering for Reproductive Justice' framework and their stance on criminalization of pregnancy.
  • → Check their news page for any recent litigation or advocacy campaigns involving immigration rights.
Visit If/When/How: Lawyering for Reproductive Justice's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How do you approach a caller who is both facing deportation and seeking an abortion? Walk through your legal analysis and client counseling.
2 Describe a time you supervised an attorney who was struggling. How did you support them while maintaining quality of service?
3 What does reproductive justice mean to you, and how does it intersect with immigration law in your view?
4 How would you handle a situation where a client's legal needs exceed the Helpline's capacity (e.g., need for full representation)?
5 Give an example of how you have incorporated racial justice principles into your legal practice or supervision.
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't focus solely on immigration law without connecting it to reproductive justice—the role requires integration of both.
  • Avoid generic statements about 'social justice' without specific examples of anti-racist work or understanding of systemic oppression.
  • Don't underestimate the supervisory component—failing to discuss your management experience or philosophy can be a red flag.

📅 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:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to If/When/How: Lawyering for Reproductive Justice!

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