Legal Assistant

REFUGEE AND IMMIGRANT CENTER FOR EDUCATION & LEGAL SERVICES; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 38,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid Work Plan

Relocation assistance

Equal Opportunity Employer

Job summary

RAICES seeks a Legal Assistant to support attorneys, accredited representatives, and paralegals in delivering high-quality immigration services. You will assist with case preparation, maintain records, and coordinate client communications to ensure efficient case management.

Applicants should have a high school diploma, 1+ year in legal or nonprofit settings, and familiarity with Google/Microsoft Office. Hybrid work and potential travel are part of the role.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; associates or bachelor’s in related fields preferred.
• 1+ year in legal, nonprofit, or social services setting; immigration law preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Proficiency with Google Suite and Microsoft Office; ability to learn multiple databases.

Responsibilities

• Conduct client intake and gather biographical and case-related information.
• Assist in preparing immigration forms (USCIS, EOIR) and supporting documents.
• Review drafts for completeness, accuracy, and formatting prior to submission.
• Manage e-filing systems and ensure timely submission of documents to courts and agencies.
• Draft correspondence, declarations, and memoranda under supervision.
• Translate and interpret documents or client communications as applicable.
• Coordinate with supervisor and social services for referrals for released clients.
• Schedule and confirm client appointments, interviews, and hearings.
• Maintain regular communication with clients and relay updates to attorneys.
• Use case management systems to maintain accurate client and case records.

Skills

Bilingual fluency (Spanish/English)

Organizational skills

Written and verbal communication

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Paralegal certificate or degree preferred

Tools

Case management systems

Google Suite

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

The Legal Assistant supports RAICES attorneys, accredited representatives, and paralegals in providing high-quality immigration legal services. This role assists with case preparation, maintains accurate records, coordinates client communications, and performs administrative tasks to ensure efficient case management and organizational operations. The Legal Assistant demonstrates professionalism, client-centered service, and a commitment to advancing RAICES’ mission of serving immigrant communities.This is a Union eligible position.This position may involve working outside of the regular business hours of Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., CST.This position may require working evenings, late nights, and weekends as necessary to meet the evolving and time-sensitive needs of our business and clientsRESPONSIBILITIESClient Services & Case SupportConduct client intake and gather biographical and case-related information.Assist in preparing immigration forms (USCIS, EOIR, and related filings) and supporting documentation.Review drafts for completeness, accuracy, and formatting prior to submission.Manage e-filing systems and ensure timely submission of documents to courts and government agencies.Draft correspondence, declarations, and memoranda under supervision.Conduct basic legal and country-conditions research and compile findings.Translate and interpret documents or client communications (where applicable).Coordinate with the supervisor and social services to provide appropriate referrals for released clients.Client Communication & CoordinationSchedule and confirm client appointments, interviews, and hearings.Maintain regular communication with clients via phone, email, and in-person meetings; relay updates to attorneys.Coordinate with clients to collect supporting documents and ensure timely submission.Respond to client inquiries and provide updates as directed by attorneys or accredited representatives.Case Management & Data TrackingUse case management systems to maintain accurate client and case records.Organize, manage, and maintain comprehensive client files (paper and electronic).Track deadlines, court dates, and filing statuses; coordinate attorney calendars accordingly.Gather, track, and record client and case data for internal and external reporting.Accurately track client time and activities in case management systems for billing, grant reporting, and compliance purposes.Administrative & Operational SupportAssist with mail processing, scanning, copying, and general office organization.Provide front-desk coverage and basic reception duties when needed.Support clinics and outreach events by preparing materials, assisting with presentations, and helping facilitate “Know Your Rights” sessions.Participate in staff meetings, training, and professional development activities.May be required to travel to detention centers, immigration court, USCIS offices, or other work-related locations.Perform additional duties as assigned by supervisorEducation & ExperienceHigh school diploma or equivalent required; associate’s or bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies, political science, social work, or related field preferred.Minimum 1 year of experience working in a legal, nonprofit, or social services setting preferred (immigration law experience strongly desired).Hold a valid driver’s license, clean driving record and have access to reliable, insured transportation; andKnowledgeable in Google Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, and the ability to learn and adapt to multiple databases.Preferred QualificationsParalegal certificate or formal paralegal training.Two or more years of experience in immigration law or related legal services.Experience working with detained or vulnerable populations.Demonstrated ability to manage high-volume caseloads in nonprofit or legal settings.Advanced bilingual or multilingual fluency (e.g., Spanish, French, Arabic, Dari, Pashto).Familiarity with federal grant reporting, billing requirements, and compliance tracking.Experience supporting litigation, advocacy campaigns, or community legal clinicsAttributesMust demonstrate behavior that aligns with RAICES’ mission, vision, and values.Comfortable working in a cross-cultural environment, compassionate toward individuals served, and a basic understanding of immigration and refugee services.Sound judgment and sensitivity to highly confidential information.Highly organized and able to work collaboratively and autonomously in a fast-moving environment.Ability to work collaboratively and creatively while inspiring and motivating others to achieve common goals.Physical requirements may include carrying up to 25 lbs., loading and unloading donated items, and standing and carrying items.Highest level of professional and ethical conduct.Willingness to travel, as needed, for RAICES meetings and events as needed.Hybrid Work PlanPLEASE NOTE: Employees are expected to live within the assigned geographic location to commute to and from the office or assigned on-site location(s) as business or client needs require.Currently, all interviews are virtual.All positions will require working remotely and in-office at the assigned work location.Applicants must reside in the state of Texas.Relocation assistance may be provided to candidates willing to relocate.RAICES is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, disability, national origin, protected veteran status, age, or any other status protected by applicable national, federal, state, or local law.