Paralegal (Immigration Removal Defense)

Immigrant Defenders Law Center; Santa Ana (CA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

13 paid holidays

Winter break (1 week)

Vacation days (15)

Sick days (15)

Health, dental, vision insurance / FSA

401(k) with employer match

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Parking stipend

Transit stipend

Job summary

Immigrant Defenders Law Center in Santa Ana, CA is seeking a full-time paralegal to support deportation defense and immigrant rights work in a mission-driven environment.

The role requires California paralegal education, strong writing, research and organizational skills, Spanish proficiency, and a commitment to social justice.

Qualifications

• Candidates must have a CA paralegal credential or equivalent education.
• Experience assisting attorneys in immigration or public interest law is preferred.
• Strong writing, research, and organizational skills required; bilingual Spanish helpful.

Skills

Writing

Research

Organization

Education

ABA-approved paralegal certificate

24 semester hours paralegal studies

Bachelor's degree + 1 year attorney experience (CA law)

Job description

Brief Description

Immigrant Defenders Law Center (“ImmDef”) is a next-generation, social justice law firm that provides high-quality representation and legal services to immigrants in Southern California and beyond. ImmDef was founded with the belief that no immigrant should be forced to face an unjust immigration system alone and our universal representation programs are a first step towards that goal. ImmDef represents thousands of adults, children and families annually who have multi-faceted, complex and urgent legal needs as they face our unjust immigration system. Learn more about us at www.immdef.org.

Brief Description

Immigrant Defenders Law Center (“ImmDef”) is a next-generation, social justice law firm that provides high-quality representation and legal services to immigrants in Southern California and beyond. ImmDef was founded with the belief that no immigrant should be forced to face an unjust immigration system alone and our universal representation programs are a first step towards that goal. ImmDef represents thousands of adults, children and families annually who have multi-faceted, complex and urgent legal needs as they face our unjust immigration system. Learn more about us at www.immdef.org. ImmDef is currently seeking a full-time Paralegal to join our team of fearless advocates providing creative and zealous representation to our clients in Santa Ana, CA. The paralegal candidate will be joining the largest non-profit, universal representation model deportation defense team in the state of California.

Requirements

Required Education and Experience

To be classified as a paralegal in California, you must have one of the following:
A paralegal certificate from a school approved by the American Bar Association (ABA).The completion of a minimum of 24 semester hours in paralegal studies from a state-accredited school, or a bachelor’s degree or higher in any subject AND a minimum of one year of experience working under an attorney with a minimum of three years of experience in California law.
Experience working:At a private immigration, other law practice or public interest law firm is helpful; Strong writing, research, and organizational skills required; Enthusiasm for working at a mission driven organization and passion for social justice for immigrants required; Commitment to working in a diverse professional environment. DACA Recipients encouraged to apply!

Preferred Education and Experience

Experience with deportation defense, immigration law, family law and guardianship, or criminal law is a plus but not required; Experience working with children and youth, incarcerated persons, vulnerable populations or persons suffering from mental competency issues is a plus; Experience with family, dependency, criminal and probate court is a plus; Experience with Special Immigrant Juvenile Status and Asylum cases is a plus; Demonstrated ability to work within a high-volume, busy law office is a plus.

Level of Language Proficiency

Spanish proficiency is required and will be tested at time of interview.

You can learn more about our programs at www.immdef.org.

Due to the large number of applicants, we are unable to respond to every applicant and will only contact those who are invited to interview for the position.

Summary

This position is part of the ImmDef employee union bargaining unit.

Compensation:

The range for base pay is $26.45 to $37.95 per hour, depending on experience.

Schedule:

• ImmDef’s standard work schedule is 35 hours per week, or 70 hours per pay period.
• Flexible scheduling options including hybrid and compressed schedules that allow staff to take up to one day off per week without needing to use paid time off.
• Hybrid Work Schedule: Staff in non-exempt positions at ImmDef are expected to be at an ImmDef worksite a minimum of 4 days per week, with 1 day per week available to work remotely.

Holidays and Paid Time Off :

• 13 paid holidays
• 1-Week paid winter break between Christmas and New Years
• 15 vacation days per year
• 15 Sick Days per year

Health, Dental and Vision Insurance / FSA:

ImmDef offers a competitive benefits package designed to support the health and well-being of our employees and their families. Health coverage begins at the first of the month following 30 days of employment. We provide generous contributions toward medical, dental, and vision plans for both employees and their dependents. Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Dependent Care FSAs are also available to help manage additional healthcare and childcare expenses.

401(k) Retirement Savings Plan & Employer Matching:

ImmDef staff are eligible to enroll in our 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan after completing three months of employment, allowing employees to contribute pre-tax earnings toward their retirement goals. Upon completion of three months of service, ImmDef will match 100% of contributions up to 4% of the employee’s eligible compensation.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness:

As a 501(c)3, full-time ImmDef staff with qualifying student loans are eligible for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

Parking and Public Transportation Stipends:

Staff members assigned to an office without free on-site parking are eligible to receive a parking stipend of up to $130 per month in actual accrued parking or transportation costs. Staff in all offices are eligible to receive a public transportation stipend of up to $100 per month in actual accrued public transportation costs.