Bilingual Immigrant Defense Paralegal

National Immigrant Justice Center; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) in Chicago seeks a Paralegal to provide general support for the Immigrant Legal Defense team. The role includes intake, research, case review, document preparation, and coordinating with clients and staff.

This position requires Spanish fluency to conduct client intakes and communicate with Spanish-speaking clients at NIJC's Chicago Office and off-site locations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with demonstrated experience working with immigrants, refugees, and/or asylum seekers.
• Regular communication with clients in Spanish; fluent in spoken and written Spanish.
• Strong writing, editing, organizational, and computer skills required.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint).
• Familiarity with LegalServer or a comparable case management system.

Responsibilities

• Conduct intake and research; assess cases to determine eligibility.
• Interview clients and witnesses; draft applications, affidavits, and pleadings.
• Prepare materials for submission to DHS, Immigration Court, or other entities.
• Review, analyze, and present cases to supervisor; maintain organized records.
• Translate/interprete as needed; support outreach and speaking engagements.
• Ensure accuracy and timeliness of reports, projects, and schedules.

Skills

Spanish fluency

Strong writing

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Client communication

Research and analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree with demonstrated experience

Tools

Microsoft 365

LegalServer

Job description

The National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) in Chicago seeks a Paralegal to provide general support for the Immigrant Legal Defense team. The role includes intake, research, case review, document preparation, and coordinating with clients and staff.

This position requires Spanish fluency to conduct client intakes and communicate with Spanish-speaking clients at NIJC's Chicago Office and off-site locations.