Paralegal Children's Protection Project-School Based Help Desk

National Immigrant Justice Center•Chicago, IL

16d•Onsite

About The Position

NIJC Paralegals provide general support through intake, research, case review, documentation preparation and other related tasks to assist general operations and the work of staff and pro bono attorneys. The school-based help desk paralegal will coordinate with senior attorneys and project managers to provide immigration resources for community members centered around local public high schools. While this position is posted as a Paralegal I position, appropriate level determination for more advanced paralegal applicants will be considered commensurate to their experience.

Requirements

A bachelor's degree is required.
This position requires regular communication with clients in Spanish. Candidates must be fluent in Spanish.
Strong writing, editing, organizational, and computer skills required.
Ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently and perform well under strict deadlines.
Proficient in Microsoft 365 applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and SharePoint.
Familiarity with LegalServer or a comparable case management system.

Nice To Haves

At least one year of experience working with immigrants, refugees, or asylum seekers preferred.
Familiarity with or ability to quickly learn, immigration processes and case-management practices.
Ability to conduct legal research and analysis to support case preparation and attorney review.

Responsibilities

Conducts intake, as assigned.
Conducts legal and factual research.
Assesses cases to determine eligibility.
Conducts interviews with clients and witnesses.
Drafts applications, affidavits, letters and/or legal pleadings and prepares supporting documentation.
Prepares materials for submission to the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration Court, or other entities as appropriate.
Reviews, analyzes, and presents cases to supervisors.
Conduct educational presentations.
Remains current on immigration law, policies, and procedures.
Maintains complete, thorough, accurate, and current records in an organized fashion in accordance with legal standards, rules, and ethics.
Ensures the accuracy, substance, and timeliness of statistical and narrative reports, projects, schedules, and other relevant work products.
In accordance with organizational policies and the ethical standards required of the legal profession, the Code of Professional Responsibility preserves client confidentiality, accounts for client monies, and avoids conflicts of interest.
Other duties may be assigned.