Immigration Paralegal

Muslim Legal Fund of America; Richardson (TX); On-site; USD 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO

Diversity-friendly environment

Job summary

The Muslim Legal Fund of America is seeking an Immigration Paralegal in Richardson, TX to support attorneys in removal defense and federal litigation. You will assist in all phases of immigration court cases, manage ECAS filings, and draft pleadings and discovery, ensuring deadlines are met with accuracy.

The role requires a paralegal certification and 2–3 years of related experience; language skills are a plus. MLFA offers a mission-driven environment with PTO and competitive hourly pay.

Qualifications

• Paralegal certification is strongly preferred; additional certifications encouraged.
• 2–3 years of paralegal experience in removal defense and/or immigration litigation.
• Knowledge of civil litigation procedures and federal court filings.
• Strong legal research and writing skills with clear communication.
• Arabic language ability is a plus, not required.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a diverse environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist in all phases of removal defense cases before the Immigration Court and ECAS filings.
• Prepare, draft, and file EOIR motions, cancellations, and related pleadings.
• Draft initial templates for complaints, motions, briefs, summons, and discovery.
• Manage Excel sheets, monthly and quarterly reports.
• Conduct client intake interviews and gather supporting documentation.
• Collaborate with attorneys and partners to plan educational events as needed.

Skills

Paralegal experience

Legal research

Bilingual (Arabic encouraged)

Education

Paralegal certification

Tools

ECAS

Job description

The Muslim Legal Fund of America employs Immigration Paralegals to support attorneys in the Immigration Litigation Department with removal defense matters and federal court litigation. This position requires trained paralegals with prior legal experience who work well in a diverse environment and are eager to engage with novel and evolving legal issues. MLFA’s mission is rooted in impact litigation; many cases involve limited or emerging precedent and require rigorous preparation of administrative matters with an eye toward federal litigation. Immigration Paralegals at MLFA must embrace the intellectual challenge of working on the front lines of a changing legal landscape.

Responsibilities

• Assist in all phases of removal defense cases before the Immigration Court, in addition to managing Immigration Court filings via EOIR Courts & Appeals System (ECAS), and ensure compliance with court deadlines and procedural rules;
• Prepare, draft, and file pleadings and applications, including EOIR filings such as motions, Cancellation of Removal (LPR and Non-LPR) applications;
• Draft initial templates of complaints, motions, briefs, summons, and discovery for federal civil litigation;
• Assist in managing Excel sheets, monthly, and quarterly reports;
• Conduct detailed client intake interviews, gather biographical information, and obtain supporting documentation (identity, country conditions, criminal records, hardship evidence);
• Collaborate with attorneys and community partners to develop educational events as needed.

Experience and Education

• Paralegal certification is strongly preferred, and additional higher learning certifications are encouraged;
• Proficiency in other languages is preferred, specifically Arabic, but not required;
• Proactive and able to take initiative to advance case preparation;
• Knowledge of civil litigation procedures;
• At least 2-3 years of paralegal experience in a law firm or nonprofit organization in removal defense and/or immigration litigation;
• Strong legal research and writing skills, with clear and effective communication abilities;
• Ability to receive direction, professionally accept constructive feedback, and treat colleagues, support staff, and attorneys with respect and courtesy;
• Knowledge of immigration forms, filing locations, and applicable government filing fees;
• Willingness to perform additional case-preparation tasks as needed, including document copying, approved edits, e-filing and paper filing with agencies and courts, and mail processing;
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills;
• Proactive and able to take initiative to advance case preparation.
• Starting at $26 an hour
• PTO

MLFA is an equal opportunity employer.