Paralegal

NYLAG • New York, NY

19d • $67,793 - $72,442 • Hybrid

About The Position

NYLAG seeks a highly motivated, full‐time paralegal to support our work with our removal defense project. This project provides representation to immigrants and families in removal proceedings, as well as supporting collateral affirmative applications. Under the supervision of an attorney, the removal defense paralegal will contact individuals who are eligible for assistance; field referrals from partners; make appointments; support preparation of evidence and testimony for removal proceedings; track and collect data; and file affirmative applications; and provide logistic support for clinics and workshops. Applicants must be prepared to handle a high volume of correspondence and cases, and interact with clients in a trauma-informed and professional manner.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree required
• Fluency in Spanish, including legal and other complex terms, or other community language is required
• Ability to work collaboratively, communicate effectively, manage multiple tasks and creatively problem solve
• Experience working with immigrant communities of color, including LGBTQIA+, youth, and survivors of violence
• Excellent written, oral and analytical skills
• Excellent time and project management skills
• Commitment to social justice and anti-racism

Nice To Haves

• 1-2 years of immigration experience strongly preferred, but not required

Responsibilities

• Conduct pre-screening of clients for basic eligibility requirements, track contacts made, and collect documents
• Screen clients for eligibility for immigration relief
• Assist clients to obtain the documents necessary to apply for relief, fill out appropriate forms, and follow up with clients via phone, mail and email
• Assist unit attorneys and case handlers with document translation and verbal interpretation, including preparing for and at asylum and USCIS interviews, psychological evaluations and immigration court hearings, under the supervision of an attorney
• Support legal research and draft legal documents under attorney supervision
• Interview clients and witnesses, as appropriate, and assist in preparing forms, affidavits, and other supporting documents to be submitted to USCIS or the Immigration Court
• Manage data entry in internal and external data management systems and assist with generating reports
• Assist unit attorneys in evidence preparation
• Provide internal referrals for financial counseling and other wraparound services, and external referrals to partner organizations
• Maintain regular contact with outside partners
• Any other job duties as required

Benefits

• Medical
• dental
• vision
• 401k
• life insurance
• long term disability
• commuter benefits
• flexible spending accounts (FSA) for Medical and Dependent care

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level