Bilingual Immigration Paralegal (English/Spanish)

Erie Neighborhood House; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

403(b) plan

Tuition assistance

Paid time off

Sick days

Paid holidays

Parental leave

Flexible spending accounts

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Erie Neighborhood House in Chicago seeks a full-time Paralegal (40 hours/week) to support the Legal Services team. Based at 1634 W. Van Buren St, you will perform case management, intake, and document preparation for immigration matters under supervision.

Fluency in English/Spanish is required, and prior paralegal or legal research experience is preferred. This role offers professional development and a strong commitment to immigrant communities and social justice.

Qualifications

• Written and oral fluency in English/Spanish required.
• Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
• Previous legal research or paralegal experience preferred.
• Excellent organizational, oral, communication, and written skills.
• Solution-oriented mindset, with a willingness to take initiative while juggling several priorities.
• Strong proofreading and detail-oriented research and writing skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with legal ethical and professional rules of conduct.
• Ability to prioritize and juggle multiple projects simultaneously and independently, often under pressure and in a fast-paced environment.
• Desire and ability to work independently, but also to perform in a team environment.
• Ability to follow directions and instructions of supervising staff, including receiving and applying constructive feedback.
• Ability to stay organized, manage a high-volume workload, and work under strict deadlines.
• Sensitivity to the needs and legal issues affecting people of diverse backgrounds.
• Excellent professional judgment and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work a hybrid schedule of at least three (3) days on site.
• Access to reliable transportation. Travel will be expected between various sites within Chicago city limits.
• Occasional weekend hours required for Saturday workshops.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and case management software preferred.
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice and sensitivity to challenges of the immigrant community.

Responsibilities

• Perform administrative duties including answering phones, taking and delivering messages, receiving documents from clients, processing mail, making copies, filing records, preparing mailings, and assisting members of the public.
• Enter data in online case management database, including case notes, messages, and updating data at each stage of a client’s case.
• Attend to clients’ questions regarding case status or program services via phone, email, or in-person.
• Schedule and confirm appointments for legal representatives.
• Collect fees from clients.
• Cover the office reception desk and support the Legal Assistant as assigned.
• Conduct client interviews and gather information by asking questions and listening.
• Assist clients in drafting personal statements for immigration benefits.
• Gather and arrange evidence and other legal documents for review and case preparation.
• Conduct research on relevant laws, regulations, and legal articles.
• Prepare immigration applications under supervision.
• Assist with completion of applications (citizenship, DACA, family petitions, etc.).
• Maintain client files, draft cover letters and close-out letters, and prepare application packets.
• Follow up on pending case work and communicate with clients.
• Assist during workshops and office hours.
• Respond to inquiries in a timely manner.
• File documents with Chicago Immigration Court and USCIS; accompany clients to interviews as interpreter.
• Conduct intake screenings and translate documents.
• Manage documents and analyze case-related records.
• Attend immigration law trainings; perform other duties as requested.

Skills

Fluent English & Spanish communication

Organizational skills

Written communication

Attention to detail

Confidentiality

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s Degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Case management software

Job description

Erie Neighborhood House in Chicago seeks a full-time Paralegal (40 hours/week) to support the Legal Services team. Based at 1634 W. Van Buren St, you will perform case management, intake, and document preparation for immigration matters under supervision.

Fluency in English/Spanish is required, and prior paralegal or legal research experience is preferred. This role offers professional development and a strong commitment to immigrant communities and social justice.