Senior Defensive Paralegal

Murray Osorio; Charlottesville (VA); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Paid Parental Leave

On-site and nearby parking

Job summary

Murray Osorio PLLC in Charlottesville, VA is seeking a Senior Paralegal, Defensive, to join one of four legal teams. You will be the first point of contact with clients in case preparation before Immigration Court across the country, coordinating with attorneys and third‑party professionals to support complex removals and humanitarian petitions.

This full‑time hybrid role begins with a 90‑day period; after that, a full remote option may be considered with occasional in‑office days.

Qualifications

• Must be fluent in Spanish (reading, writing, speaking)
• High School Diploma/GED
• Minimum of 2 years of work experience in immigration law
• Knowledge of Immigration Court Procedures
• Able to handle a high volume of work independently and in teams
• Able to work in a fast-paced environment
• Strong communication skills
• Detail-oriented and highly organized
• Enthusiasm to learn and take on new challenges
• Excellent customer service skills
• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing relief forms before the immigration court (I-589s, I-601, I-485, etc.).
• Collect supporting evidence and conduct country conditions research.
• Complete affidavits with clients and witnesses.
• Assist in preparing simple and complex motions.
• Prepare exhibits list and packet for hearings.
• Responsible for E-filing through ECAS where allowed.
• Interpret cases for hearing preparation as needed.
• Maintain and update the case-management database.
• Maintain direct client contact (phone/emails).
• Schedule hearings, manage calendars, and set deadlines.
• Work with the Legal Assistant Team to ensure filings reach the proper location.
• Develop effective working relationships with attorneys, staff, and clients

Skills

Spanish fluency

Immigration law experience

MS Office

Strong communication

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Customer service

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Paralegal studies (ABA approved)

Tools

Docketwise

Salesforce

Filevine

SharePoint

Zoom

Adobe Pro

Job description

Location / Remote work:

Fairfax, VA, Charlottesville, VA, Silver Spring, MD, Newark, NJ, or Haddonfield, NJ

Reports To: Legal Service Director Department: Defensive FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

About us

Murray Osorio PLLC is a fast-growing immigration law firm dedicated to making a positive impact on people’s lives. Our firm represents clients and companies in courts, offices, and consular posts worldwide.

We specialize in removal defense, humanitarian applications, family-based immigration, criminal immigration, employment-based immigration, naturalization, and appellate and federal litigation.

At Murray Osorio PLLC, we pride ourselves on collaboration, professionalism, and a strong commitment to our mission of providing exceptional legal services while fostering a supportive, inclusive, and energetic workplace.

Position Overview

The Senior Paralegal, Defensive position is part of one of four legal teams at Murray Osorio. The ideal candidate will have the opportunity to expand their knowledge of Removal Defense. This candidate will be the first point of contact with clients in the preparation of their case before any Immigration Court across the country. You will be working with various immigration agencies and third-party professionals pertaining to the client’s needs. The position offers a rich environment where the ideal candidate will be exposed to specialize in handling complex cases before the Immigration Court.

This is a full-time hybrid position for the initial 90 days of employment. After a successful 90-day period, the possibility of a full remote position will be presented, withoccasional mandated in-office days (typically a few per year) required. Employees must reside within a commutable distance of their assigned office in VA, MD, or NJ (typically within 75 miles) and be available for in-person client meetings or office events as scheduled.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the preparation of several forms of relief (such as I-589s, 42A/B’s, I-601, I-485’s, etc.) before the immigration court.
• Collect supporting evidence and conduct country conditions research to support the client’s case.
• Complete affidavits with clients and any witnesses.
• Assist in the preparation of simple and/or complex motions.
• Assist with the preparation of the exhibits list along with the exhibit packet for individual hearings.
• Responsible for E-filing through ECAS for allowed cases.
• Interpret cases as needed, such as the client’s individual hearing preparation.
• Maintain and update the case-management database.
• Maintain direct client contact (phone calls/emails).
• Schedule appointments for hearings, manage the calendar, and set deadlines.
• Work with the Legal Assistant Team to ensure filing arrives at the proper location.
• Develop effective working relationships and communicate with attorneys, staff, and clients.

Required Qualifications

• Must be fluent in Spanish (reading, writing, speaking)
• High School Diploma/GED
• Minimum of 2 years of work experience in immigration law
• Knowledge of Immigration Court Procedures
• Able to handle a high volume of work independently and in teams
• Able to work in a fast-paced environment
• Strong communication skills
• Detail-oriented and highly organized
• Enthusiasm to learn and take on new challenges
• Excellent customer service skills
• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience using Docketwise, Salesforce, Filevine, SharePoint, and Zoom
• Working knowledge of Adobe Pro
• Bachelor's/associate degree with paralegal studies (ABA approved)

Benefits

At Murray Osorio PLLC, we value our employees and offer a competitive benefits package, including

• Commitment to professional growth and continuous learning
• Competitive compensation and benefits package, including:
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Paid Parental Leave (available after one year of service).
• On-site and nearby parking options are available for employee convenience

Why Join Us?

This role provides the opportunity to grow your administrative and legal career in a collaborative, supportive, and dynamic environment. You’ll gain exposure to a variety of immigration law cases while contributing to the efficiency and success of our operations team. If you are motivated, detail-oriented, and passionate about making a difference, we would love to have you on our team!

Monday - Friday 9:00 - 5:00