Paralegal Spanish Bilingual - Immigration (Hybrid)

COMMUNITY LEGAL AID SOCAL • Santa Ana, CA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Use your passion for justice to help individuals and families navigate the immigration system and secure life-changing legal outcomes.

The Spanish speaking Immigration Unit Staff Paralegal will work as a member of the immigration unit to provide legal assistance to qualified immigration clients including clients in removal proceedings. This full-time, hybrid, non-exempt position reports to the Supervising Attorney.

Requirements

• Paralegal certificate, OR a bachelor’s degree with at least one year of attorney-supervised, law-related experience in California (including a written declaration confirming qualification to perform paralegal tasks).
• Spanish Bilingual proficiency (written and oral) – Required.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, active insurance policy or other ability to travel frequently in and around the service area for representation and to engage with clients and community partners - Required.
• Strong technical skills; including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams).
• Strong writing skills, excellent analytical, communication, and listening skills.
• Ability to work well under pressure and do several activities at once, while meeting strict deadlines.
• Self-motivated, keen attention to detail, and quick learner.
• Ability to interact with a wide range of clients utilizing client-centered lawyering and trauma-informed frameworks.
• Ability to model CLA SoCal’s values and mission - Required

Nice To Haves

• Experience in immigration law, including humanitarian-based claims such as Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, Asylum, Naturalization, U-Visa, T-Visa, VAWA Self-Petition, and Adjustment of Status – Preferred.
• Experience working with clients in removal proceedings and/or experience working on applications filed for clients in removal proceedings—Preferred.
• Commitment to working with immigrants, vulnerable populations, survivors of abuse, human trafficking or other trauma.

Responsibilities

• Maintain caseload of immigration cases including but not limited to Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, Asylum, Naturalization, U-Visa, T-Visa, VAWA Self-Petition, and Adjustment of Status, under attorney supervision.
• Dependent on grant, assist with grant reporting and tracking grant deliverables.
• Prepare legal work and maintain client files both electronically and/or physically under the supervision of an attorney.
• Assist attorney with intake and initial client appointments, case investigation, witness interviews, factual and legal research.
• Interview clients effectively and efficiently communicate with clients including accurately relaying legal advice provided by the attorney.
• Prepare legal forms, pleadings, memoranda, correspondence and other legal documents and assist with checking citations, record-keeping, document copying, e-Filing, etc.
• Observe confidentiality of attorney-client relationship.
• Maintain calendar and deadline systems and provide interpretation and translation when qualified.
• Work with a multi-cultural perspective, including community groups, conduct outreach, and provide community education presentations and materials.
• Work with and mentor paralegal and law students from local law schools, colleges and community colleges.
• May be required to work at clinics and/or workshops located in local courts, CLA SoCal offices, or at partner agencies.
• Perform other duties as required to meet the needs of the organization.

Benefits

• The position is structured as a 35-hour workweek. Exempt status may require additional hours as needed to perform essential job functions.
• Hybrid Schedule
• 16 paid holidays + PTO (including wellness days) starting Day 1
• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and long-term disability
• 401(k) with employer contribution
• Student loan reimbursement program
• Bilingual bonus pay for qualified staff

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees