Be a Pro Bono Attorney

NIJC relies on our robust network of over 2,000 active pro bono attorneys to expand access to immigration legal representation for people in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin. Our legal volunteers represent low-income immigrants seeking family- or protection-based relief, helping them navigate the complex U.S. immigration system. Without an attorney, immigrants may be separated from their families or returned to dangerous situations, whereas cases with legal representation are much more likely to achieve a positive outcome.

NIJC maintains an approval rate of over 90 percent for the clients we represent. Your pro bono representation makes a meaningful difference in an immigrant’s life.

Right now, full-scope pro bono representation of immigrants and asylum seekers is more necessary than ever. Prior to handing over a case for full representation, NIJC extensively screens all cases to ensure that individuals have a viable claim. NIJC then provides interested pro bono attorneys with the training, technical assistance, and case support necessary to provide high-quality representation to their clients. In turn, pro bono attorneys build trauma-informed lawyering and advocacy skills and help their clients access justice and a fair application of law in our federal legal system.

Please see this general overview of NIJC’s pro bono program for more information.

Pro Bono Expectations and Guidelines

For information about the shared commitment NIJC and pro bono attorneys agree to when embarking on a collaboration for new cases, read NIJC’s Pro Bono Attorney Guidelines.

Pro Bono Interest Form

Thank you for your interest in NIJC’s pro bono program. To help us connect you with the most appropriate opportunity, please fill out the form below. Note that most of our current pro bono opportunities are for law firm and corporate attorneys in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin. We have limited opportunities for solo practitioners and firm/corporate attorneys living outside our service area.

When you complete the interest form and become a member of NIJC’s pro bono community, we will add you to our pro bono email list so that you can stay updated with the latest immigration resources and information about our pro bono network. You can unsubscribe at any time using the link at the bottom of any of our emails, but we expect that any attorney working on a case with us will stay subscribed in order to receive timely policy and case-related updates.