Immigration Legal Assistant- Stamford

Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants; Stamford (CT); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player invites you to join a meaningful mission at their organization, where you will empower refugees and immigrants to become self-sufficient members of the community. As a Legal Assistant, you will play a vital role in supporting the Immigration Legal Services team, assisting with legal case preparation, and providing essential client services. This full-time position offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity for professional growth within a diverse and supportive environment. If you are passionate about making a difference and possess the required qualifications, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

403B plan

Paid holidays

Paid time off

Work/life balance commitment

Public Interest Loan Forgiveness eligibility

Qualifications

• BA or BS required with prior experience as a paralegal preferred.
• Spanish fluency is a must for direct client interaction.

Responsibilities

• Assist in legal case preparation and support clients with legal rights.
• Perform general administrative duties and maintain electronic case files.

Skills

Spanish fluency

Verbal communication skills

Written communication skills

Organizational skills

Time management skills

Education

BA or BS

Tools

Microsoft Office

Database management

Job description

Embark on a fulfilling career with CIRI, where you'll find more than just a job - you'll find purpose. As part of our team, you'll enjoy:

• Meaningful Mission: Contribute to an incredible mission of assisting refugees and immigrants in overcoming barriers to become self-sufficient, integrated members of the community.
• Professional Growth: Be part of a diverse and supportive team that encourages your growth and development.
• Community Connection: Establish long-term connections with the community and make a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, medical/dental/vision/life/403B plan, 13 paid holidays, 20 days of paid time off per year, and a commitment to work/life balance and self-care.
• Public Interest Loan Forgiveness: Benefit from eligibility for the Public Interest Loan Forgiveness Program.

This organization participates in E-Verify.

Join the Journey: Empower Lives, Shape Futures at The Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants (CIRI)

Compensation: $20.00 - $21.00 per hour, 37.5 hours per week

POSITION SUMMARY: The Legal Assistant will support the Immigration Legal Services (ILS) team by performing a variety of administrative, legal, and client-focused duties, with the goal of training toward partial or full DOJ Accreditation. This role is essential in supporting legal case preparation and service delivery to both detained minors and clients in the community.

LOCATION: Stamford, CT with travel in Lower Fairfield County

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Client Services and Legal Support:

• Attend client meetings and assist in updating clients on case progress.
• Assist clients and potential clients with referrals to legal and/or social service programs within CIRI and through external providers.
• Review and organize client documentation, draft immigration forms, and prepare case filings for review and submission by attorneys or DOJ-accredited representatives.
• Draft case-related correspondence, motions, and legal memoranda under the supervision of an attorney or DOJ-accredited representative.
• Research and summarize applicable statutory, regulatory, and case law relevant to immigration matters.
• Short-term (first 5 months) - provide support to unaccompanied children in shelters regarding their legal rights through the end of the contract period, as needed.
• Provide Know Your Rights (KYR) presentations and legal screenings to minors.

Administrative and Office Support:

• Perform general administrative duties including returning phone calls, scheduling clients, creating presentations, managing correspondence, scanning/faxing, and data entry.
• Create and maintain electronic case files in accordance with ILS protocols, including scanning documents, tracking receipts, and updating internal calendars.

Compliance and Reporting:

• Accurately track and log all services provided in accordance with grant requirements and program deliverables.
• Support the delivery and documentation of all legal services in alignment with contractual obligations.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• BA or BS.
• Previous experience as a paralegal or DOJ Accredited Representative for a DOJ recognized agency preferred.
• Prior experience working with youth, trauma survivors or other vulnerable populations preferred.
• Spanish fluency required: the candidate must possess sufficient fluency to work directly with clients on all aspects of legal representation without using an interpreter. This is a grant requirement.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills and ability to pay close attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, database management and internet.
• Ability to drive and possession a valid U.S. driver's license.
• Commitment to the agency's core values and mission to assist immigrants and their families.

Exempt/Non-Exempt: Non-Exempt

Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time

EOE Statement: We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Location: Stamford

This position is currently accepting applications.