Paralegal Children's Protection Project-School Based Help Desk

National Immigrant Justice Center•Chicago, IL

26d

About The Position

NIJC Paralegals provide general support through intake, research, case review, documentation preparation, and related tasks that assist general operations and the work of staff and pro bono attorneys. The school-based help desk paralegal coordinates with senior attorneys and project managers to provide immigration resources for community members centered around local public high schools. Although the position is posted as a Paralegal I role, applicants with more advanced paralegal experience may be considered at an appropriate level commensurate with their experience. The role requires regular communication with clients in Spanish and includes conducting intake and interviews, assessing case eligibility, researching immigration matters, preparing applications and supporting documentation, and providing educational presentations. The paralegal must maintain accurate and organized records, produce timely work products, protect client confidentiality, account for client monies, and avoid conflicts of interest in accordance with organizational policies and legal ethics.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree.
Fluency in Spanish, as the position requires regular communication with clients in Spanish.
Strong writing, editing, organizational, and computer skills.
Ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently and perform well under strict deadlines.
Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and SharePoint.
Strong organizational skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Meticulous attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate case records and client files.
Effective and compassionate communication skills with clients, colleagues, attorneys, and external partners.
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.

Nice To Haves

At least one year of experience working with immigrants, refugees, or asylum seekers is preferred.
Familiarity with LegalServer or a comparable case management system.
More advanced paralegal experience may be considered for placement at a level commensurate with experience.

Responsibilities

Conduct intake as assigned.
Conduct legal and factual research.
Assess cases to determine eligibility.
Interview clients and witnesses.
Draft applications, affidavits, letters, and legal pleadings, and prepare supporting documentation.
Prepare materials for submission to the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration Court, or other appropriate entities.
Review, analyze, and present cases to supervisors.
Conduct educational presentations.
Remain current on immigration law, policies, and procedures.
Maintain complete, thorough, accurate, current, and organized records in accordance with legal standards, rules, and ethics.
Ensure the accuracy, substance, and timeliness of statistical and narrative reports, projects, schedules, and other relevant work products.
Preserve client confidentiality, account for client monies, and avoid conflicts of interest in accordance with organizational policies and legal professional standards.
Perform other duties as assigned.