Legal Assistant for the Los Angeles County Detained Immigrant Defense Bar Panel, USC Gould Immigration Clinic

University of Southern California•Los Angeles, CA

42d•Hybrid

About The Position

USC Gould School of Law is seeking applications for two Legal Assistants for the USC Gould School of Law Immigration Clinic. The Legal Assistant provides support to the newly established Los Angeles County Detained Immigrant Defense Bar Panel which is administered by the Gould Immigration Clinic. The Immigrant Defense Bar Panel was established by the Los Angeles County Office of Immigrant Affairs (OIA). This is a 1-year fixed-term, full-time, benefits-eligible position with the possibility of renewal contingent on funding. All candidates must submit a cover letter and resume in order to be considered for this position.

Requirements

Excellent communication skills, written and verbal
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision in a fast-paced environment
Strong organizational skills to manage and prioritize multiple projects and case work
Ability to interact and engage with a wide range of persons from diverse ethnic, cultural, and educational backgrounds
Ability to plan, organize and execute activities to meet project objectives
Experience in providing leadership and direction for day-to-day project operations and administrative activities
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, and data management systems
Experience working on immigration issues
Fluency in Spanish
Valid driver’s license
Ability to drive to ICE detention facilities in San Bernardino, Kern, Imperial, and San Diego counties
Unexpired REAL ID Act compliant identity document needed to access ICE detention centers and pass through internal Border Patrol checkpoints
Minimum Education: High school or equivalent
Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education
Minimum Experience: 2 years
Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum work experience
Minimum Skills: Legal secretarial experience/legal terminology/knowledge of court procedures

Nice To Haves

Experience with immigration court proceedings (removal and bond) and habeas litigation would be helpful, but not required.

Responsibilities

Supporting the Project Director and Immigration Clinic supervising attorneys
Conducting intake and follow-up interviews with detained prospective clients and family members (via in-person meetings and video or telephone calls)
Processing Bar Panel member applications
Assessing cases for placement with Bar Panel members
Case management and tracking
Preparing reports
Assisting with reviewing Bar Panel member invoices and payments