Legal Assistant - Esperanza Immigrant Rights Project
About The Position
Esperanza Immigrant Rights Project, a program of Catholic Charities of Los Angeles, Inc., is a non-profit law firm which provides community education and legal representation to immigrant adults, families, unaccompanied minors, individuals with mental health issues, and in cases involving crimmigration. Esperanza has proudly provided legal services to immigrants and their families in Southern California for over 15 years. More information is available at www.esperanza-la.org [http://www.esperanza-la.org]. Esperanza seeks a full-time Legal Assistant to work in our Community Education program. The immigration court system does not provide court-appointed counsel to individuals facing deportation who cannot afford an attorney, so this vulnerable population relies on our Community Education program to obtain critical information about the process. The Community Education program was created to more effectively meet this need and guide pro se immigrants through the increasingly complicated and strained immigration system.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree in related field, or 3-5 years of related experience.
- Experience working in a legal office, especially with immigration.
- Meticulous attention to detail.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to problem solve independently.
- Fluency in oral and written Spanish required.
- Strong work ethic and ability to work under pressure.
- Strong verbal communication, phone and writing skills.
- Strong typing and computer skills including MS Word, Excel, Mail Merges, etc.
- Passion for social justice for immigrants and vulnerable communities.
Nice To Haves
- Experience working with vulnerable client populations, particularly with children, families, or clients with mental health issues.
- Experience in community outreach and/or public speaking.
Responsibilities
- Provide various self-help services for non-detained adults, families, and children under the direct supervision of a manager.
- Conduct legal orientations regarding removal proceedings and legal relief.
- Perform intake and follow-up services.
- Facilitate self-help workshops.
- Make referrals for pro bono assistance or social services.
- Manage data and prepare special and periodic reports.
- Respond promptly and properly to substantive client communication, including walk-ins, phone calls, and letters that require substantive legal and operational knowledge.
- Schedule appointments, conduct outreach, and maintain the referral system.
- Refer individuals to social services.
- Create and properly maintain participant files.
- Develop and update pro se materials in Spanish and English.
- Mentor and supervise volunteers.
- Perform general administrative duties, including filing, copying, note-taking, etc.
Benefits
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- Life Insurance
- Retirement Plan to include 401a/employer contribution only and 403(b)
- Supplemental Insurance (life, Accident, disability insurance, etc.)
- Flexible Spending Account
- Health Care Spending Account Reimbursement accounts (HAS)
- Vacation days – 12 days per year
- Sick time – 10 days per year
- 13 holidays per year for regular f/t & p/t employees
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness
- Cell Phones for those working in Shelters or with Clients outside of the office
- Employee Recognition - Annual Staff Appreciation Day Event
- Free Parking
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
