Paralegal in Immigration
About The Position
The Defender Association of Philadelphia is seeking a highly organized, professional, and detailed-oriented paralegal for its Community Defense (Immigration Practice) Unit (CDU). The CDU provides direct legal services in immigration law matters by representing clients in immigration court hearings, immigration appeals, and federal filings with USCIS, U.S. Department of State, and federal courts. The unit also provides immigration analysis and advice in Pennsylvania criminal cases involving non-citizen defendants for whom the Defender Association is appointed. As a core member of the defense team, the Paralegal works under the supervision of the Chief and Assistant Chief of the Unit to provide vital legal, administrative, and social support to detained and non-detained non-citizen clients. This position is grant funded until June 30, 2028, unless the Defenders obtains continued funding. While we hope that the funding continues beyond that date, we cannot guarantee employment past that date.
Requirements
- Bachelor or Associate degree with paralegal certification or any equivalent combination of relevant education and professional experience.
- Experience working with indigent clients in immigration and/or criminal justice proceedings preferred.
- Familiarity with EOIR and USCIS preferred.
- Fluency in Spanish and/or Portuguese is strongly preferred.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Keen sense of organization and attention to detail.
- Strong analytical skills and ability to problem-solve independently.
- Ability to work in a high-volume practice and prioritize assignments effectively, alongside a strong commitment to professionalism in the workplace.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or similar computer software.
- Familiarity with Westlaw and the legal research process.
- Working knowledge of computer databases preferred but not required.
- General knowledge of basic administrative and clerical duties, and a willingness to learn new organizational and computer systems.
- Willingness to go to court, immigration detention facilities, and the Philadelphia jails if necessary.
Nice To Haves
- Experience working with indigent clients in immigration and/or criminal justice proceedings
- Familiarity with EOIR and USCIS
- Fluency in Spanish and/or Portuguese
- Working knowledge of computer databases
Responsibilities
- Provide legal, administrative, and social support to detained and non-detained non-citizen clients.
- Conduct consultations, and intake and analyze new cases for program eligibility.
- Identify potential conflicts of interest and recommend resolutions to the Chief and Assistant Chief of the Unit.
- Review evidence and translate documentation, and interpret for client meetings and interviews, as needed.
- Assist attorneys in preparing affidavits, applications, bond requests, and documents for submission to immigration court and USCIS.
- Assist attorneys with various aspects of pretrial and trial preparation, as needed.
- Perform legal research, draft motions, and aid in compiling and electronically filing documents, with attorney oversight.
- Maintain case files and client databases, and update files through the appropriate electronic case management systems.
- Coordinate with partner agencies and community organizations, and perform community outreach, as needed.
- Work closely with the Chief, Assistant Chief, and the Unit Coordinator to ensure the administrative processes developed for the Unit are effective and efficient.
Benefits
- Affordable medical care options plus employer paid vision, dental, life and long- term disability insurances
- 25 days of paid time off (PTO) annually, in addition to all federal holidays
- Dedicated, separate sick leave policy alongside organizational programming to support your physical and mental health
- 10 weeks of paid parental leave
- Generous retirement savings plan with Employer Match
- Free Septa All Access Key card
- Union Membership: This role is represented by AFSCME, District Council 47, Local 47
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer
- Meaningful, mission-driven work within a supportive, learning-focused, and collaborative environment.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
Associate degree
