Paralegal Immigrant Legal Defense, NIJC

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

About NIJC

The National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) advances human rights and due process for immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers through direct legal services, impact litigation, advocacy, and public education. Headquartered in Chicago with offices in Washington, DC, Indiana, and San Diego, NIJC's team of more than 160 attorneys, paralegals, and professionals, along with 2,000 pro bono attorneys, is at the forefront of immigration reform.

Job Summary

The Paralegal will be based in Chicago and provides general paralegal support for the Immigrant Legal Defense team. The paralegal conducts intake, research, case review, documentation preparation, and other related tasks to support general operations and the work of staff. This position requires Spanish fluency, to conduct client intakes, support community outreach, and communicate with Spanish-speaking clients at NIJC's Chicago Office and off-site locations. Individual accountability and work volume will be established through the development of annual Success Objectives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Conducts intake, as assigned.
• Conducts legal and factual research.
• Assesses cases to determine eligibility.
• Conducts interviews with clients and witnesses.
• Drafts applications, affidavits, letters, and/or legal pleadings and prepares supporting documentation.
• Prepares materials for submission to the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration Court, or other entities as appropriate.
• Reviews, analyzes, and presents cases to supervisor.
• Tracks individual cases and outcomes
• Interprets and translates for department and other Organization staff as needed, including at USCIS and ICE interviews and appointments.
• Represents NIJC at clinics and events with stakeholders, including pro bono partners. Remains current on immigration law, policies, and procedures.
• Maintains complete, thorough, accurate, and current records in an organized fashion in accordance with legal standards, rules, and ethics.
• Ensures the accuracy, substance, and timeliness of statistical and narrative reports, projects, schedules, and other relevant work products.
• In accordance with organizational policies and the ethical standards required of the legal profession, the Code of Professional Responsibility preserves client confidentiality, accounts for client monies, and avoids conflicts of interest.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Meticulous attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate case records and client files.
• Effective and compassionate communication skills when working with clients, colleagues, attorneys, and external partners.
• Familiarity with or ability to quickly learn, immigration processes and case-management practices.
• Ability to conduct legal research and analysis to support case preparation and attorney review.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor's degree with demonstrated experience working with immigrants, refugees, and/or asylum seekers. At least one year of experience working with these populations is preferred.
• This position requires regular communication with clients in Spanish. Candidates must be fluent in spoken and written Spanish.
• Strong writing, editing, organizational, and computer skills required. Ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently and perform well under strict deadlines.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and SharePoint.
• Familiarity with LegalServer or a comparable case management system.

Physical Abilities Statement

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of thos e an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time.
• The person in this position occasionally needs to move about the inside of the office to access filing cabinets, office machinery, etc.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a copy machine.

It is the policy of NIJC not to discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of age, color, sex, disability, national origin, race, religion, or veteran status. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

For any technical issues please contact [e-mail].