Paralegal - Immigrants & Workers' Rights (Farmworker Project)
About The Position
Legal Aid Chicago seeks a full-time paralegal for its Farmworker Project. This role is part of the Immigrants and Workers’ Rights Practice Group, which provides free civil legal services to immigrants and low-wage workers. The paralegal will focus on farmworker cases, addressing issues such as health and safety, housing, human trafficking, immigration matters, and complex federal litigation. The position involves significant outreach throughout Illinois to farmworkers, developing outreach materials, conducting client intakes, investigating cases, assisting attorneys with litigation, and maintaining case files. The role requires travel, potentially including overnight stays, and the ability to work evenings and some weekends for outreach.
Requirements
- Strong interest in social justice, especially in the areas of workers’ and immigrants’ rights.
- Experience working with immigrant or vulnerable communities.
- Bachelor’s degree or some college experience preferred.
- Valid Illinois driver’s license is required.
- Spanish fluency or strong working proficiency is required.
- Strong writing and research skills and excellent organizational skills.
- Litigation experience helpful.
- Strong commitment to collegial and team-based work environment.
- Ability to work evenings and some weekends for outreach.
- Good information-gathering skills as well as strong and versatile computer skills are essential.
Nice To Haves
- Individuals with relevant experience, particularly those who have direct experience with communities we serve or perspectives that help us understand and serve our clients better.
Responsibilities
- Conduct outreach throughout Illinois to farmworkers, including developing outreach plans.
- Create educational flyers and other outreach materials.
- Develop and lead know-your-rights presentations.
- Build relationships with community groups, consulates, and other farmworker stakeholders.
- Conduct client intakes and investigate cases.
- Work directly with clients to gather documents and information.
- Assist attorneys with tasks related to pending cases, including federal court litigation.
- Work with outside co-counsel, where applicable.
- Maintain well-organized case files and accurate timekeeping in electronic case management system.
- Assist with administrative tasks as needed.
- Other duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Bilingual Paralegals are eligible for an additional stipend.
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance, effective the first day of employment.
- 15 vacation days and 18 sick days accrued within the first year of employment.
- 19 paid holidays, including four (4) floating holidays.
- Twelve weeks of Paid Parental Leave at 100% of the salary after six months of employment.
- 403(b) retirement plan with an employer contribution after one year of employment.
- $50,000 Basic Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance, at no cost.
- Access to Employee Assistance Program resources, at no cost.
- Monthly internet reimbursement.
- Eligible employer for the federal public service loan forgiveness program.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
Associate degree
