Immigration Justice Project – Senior Paralegal
Req #863
COVID-19 vaccination is required as a condition of employment (requests for reasonable accommodations for medical or religious reasons will be considered).
During this current situation with COVID-19, the ABA will
continue to accept and process applications for job opportunities. We
will conduct our recruitment process via alternative means (virtual interviews)
for the time being.
The ABA recruits employees seeking opportunities for challenging and substantive work defending liberty and pursuing justice in the U.S. and around the world. The ABA offers competitive employment benefits which include medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k), commuter benefits, and more.
Job Summary/General Purpose of Job
Serves as a mentor and trains paralegals, legal assistants, and other legal support staff. Provides substantive case and court support to attorneys and accredited representatives. May provide substantive assistance with division’s Legal Orientation Program (LOP) pro bono work including management of pro bono case placement. Prepares legal filings and documents (e.g., client affidavits, pleadings, motions, etc.) as directed.
Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities (listed in order of importance and/or time spent)
May provide substantive assistance with the Legal Orientation Program (LOP) pro bono program by, under the supervision of an attorney or accredited representative, communicating with volunteers regarding case placement and updates, and conducting and assisting with coordination and tracking of other legal services as necessary.
Organizes, coordinates, and performs LOP pro bono services. Identifies and prioritizes LOP pro bono tasks each week. Distributes LOP pro bono tasks among paralegals and other staff members.
Provides paralegal support and assistance to assigned legal staff. Prepares legal filings and documents (e.g., immigration applications, correspondence, translations, etc.) as directed. Assists with training and mentoring of other legal support staff.
Prepares applications for relief, translations, and supporting documentation. Assesses the urgency of situations, prioritizes tasks, and tracks and adheres to deadlines.
May oversee client case files as directed by staff attorneys and Accredited Representatives. Monitors case activities and processes and maintains the data integrity of case management systems. Ensures confidentiality and control of client information.
Assesses the urgency of situations and determines appropriate actions, monitors status of pending tasks, and provides updates and feedback to appropriate legal team members.
Assists with referral of clients to pro bono counsel as directed. Conducts and assists with coordination and tracking of other legal services as necessary.
Required Education, Qualifications, Experience
Associate’s degree (A.A.) from an accredited U.S. institution in paralegal studies, criminal justice, political science, or a related field.
Two or more years of experience as a paralegal, legal assistant, or legal secretary.
Fluent in English and Spanish in written and spoken forms.
Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office products and Google tools.
Ability to communicate professionally with clients, clients’ supporters, government attorneys, court staff, and stakeholders.
Have reliable transportation to travel to off-site work locations.
Must be insurable and have an acceptable driving record.
Preferred Education, Qualifications, Experience
Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from an accredited college in paralegal studies, criminal justice, political science or related field and 1 year experience as a paralegal.
Current certificate of completion of an ABA-approved paralegal program.
Prior work experience with immigrants, asylum seekers, refugees.
Prior volunteer, community, or work experience regarding immigration.
Prior non-profit experience, particularly involving immigration detention.
Prior experience with pro se legal assistance programs, including court-sponsored legal self-help programs.
Physical Requirements
Typical office setting with frequent visits at immigration detention facilities and immigration court. Continuously operates a computer and other office machinery, such as telephone, copy machine, and computer printer, and may be required to transport equipment to the court or detention center.
Extent of Travel Required in the Job
This job will require regular travel to the San Diego Immigration Court and some limited travel to Commission projects in Texas.
Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with the American Bar Association please call 312-988-5188.
Flexible/hybrid work arrangements may be available for residents of CA, IL, IN, DC, MD, VA, and TX. Residency requirements may apply.
Other details
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Pay Type
Salary -
Min Hiring Rate
$47,985.00 -
Max Hiring Rate
$52,269.00 -
Required Education
Associate Degree
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