Legal Assistant

Center for Immigrant & Refugee Advancement • Omaha, NE

26d • Onsite

About The Position

The Legal Assistant is an integral member of CIRA’s legal team and provides administrative, research, and legal support to the Asylum team. Reporting directly to the Lead Attorney (Asylum), the Legal Assistant works closely with attorneys and legal staff to support the representation of asylum-seeking clients.

The role includes legal and case support, country conditions research and documentation, client communication and support, translation and interpretation assistance, and education and advocacy. The Legal Assistant prepares and organizes legal documents and case files, conducts research, gathers and organizes supporting evidence, translates client and legal documents, and performs other administrative duties related to asylum cases. The position requires attention to detail, organization, cultural competency, confidentiality, and effectiveness in working with clients from diverse backgrounds.

CIRA is a nonprofit organization formed in 2022 through the merger of Immigrant Legal Center and Refugee Empowerment Center. Its team provides legal representation, refugee services, and social work services. The organization handles immigration cases, resettles refugees, and connects clients with resources, and does not turn families away because they cannot pay.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Fluency in Spanish.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Fluency with Office 365 applications, such as Outlook, Word, Excel, and SharePoint, and ability to learn new software.
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills, including the ability to serve clients and colleagues from varied backgrounds professionally.
• Ability to work sensitively with staff, volunteers, and clients with varied personalities, lifestyles, cultures, political orientations, and faiths.
• Commitment to public interest legal services and the enfranchisement and empowerment of immigrant communities.
• Reliability demonstrated through consistent attendance, effective time management, and flexibility.
• Ability to take initiative and solve problems independently when appropriate.
• Ability to represent CIRA positively to clients, volunteers, community organizations, and the public.
• Commitment to professional excellence in a mission-driven environment.
• Integrity, a positive attitude, and a self-directed work style.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Ability to lift items up to 20 lbs. as needed.
• Ability to pass all required background checks.
• Must be at least 18 years of age and authorized to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Previous experience within the legal field preferred, but not required.

Responsibilities

• Work with attorneys, DOJ-accredited representatives, and staff serving clients who may qualify for immigration relief.
• Prepare, copy, and scan documents, and send and track outgoing mail.
• Assist with forms, statements, cover letters, motions, petitions, and briefs.
• Create, organize, and maintain complete and accurate client records in physical files and case management software; log activities, receipts, correspondence, and filings; and track reminders and deadlines in accordance with CIRA’s Legal Procedures Manual.
• Track open and closed cases using CIRA’s case management software.
• Assist in compiling and preparing case management reports.
• Maintain contact with clients and promptly return calls in accordance with the Legal Procedures Manual.
• Assist attorneys and DOJ-accredited representatives with drafting, translating, and sending email and mail correspondence.
• Keep clients informed about the status of their cases.
• Interpret during client meetings or appearances before administrative bodies.
• Refer clients to appropriate community resources.
• Communicate and advocate for clients’ needs.
• Contribute to intake, outreach, and education programs related to forms of immigration legal relief, and advocate for immigrants’ rights.
• Conduct country conditions and other legal research and gather and organize supporting documentation and evidence.
• Translate client and legal documents.

Benefits

• Unlimited paid time off, including the employee’s birthday.
• Nine paid holidays with a year-end holiday break.
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and AD&D insurance.
• 403(b) retirement plan with an automatic 5% contribution.
• FMLA.
• Employee Wellness Program, including enriching snacks, support groups, and engaging activities.
• Employee Assistance Program, including a life event referral program, five free counseling sessions, financial and legal resources, and an employee discount/savings program.
• Yearly stipends for employee development opportunities.
• Relocation assistance.
• Travel and expense reimbursement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree