Paralegal - Immigration Division

Harris County • Houston, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Immigration Division of the Harris County Public Defender's Office (HCPDO) supports defense counsel in identifying and addressing potential immigration consequences related to a client's criminal case. The Paralegal supports this work by coordinating immigration referrals, gathering immigration histories from clients and their families, accessing relevant records and immigration systems, and assisting the Division with case-related and administrative needs. HCPDO is committed to providing high-quality legal representation and advancing excellence in indigent defense through client-centered representation and interdisciplinary advocacy.

Requirements

• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Adobe Acrobat.
• Organizes and prioritizes multiple projects simultaneously to maintain a high level of productivity.
• Meets and prioritizes deadlines.
• Makes effective and efficient use of time in carrying out responsibilities.
• Is familiar with and adheres to established rules for professional conduct.
• Willing to learn new duties, approaches, and routines.
• Communicates with persons inside and outside of the organization in a prompt, positive, and professional manner.
• Recognizes public service as a high calling.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual in English/Spanish strongly preferred.
• Experience supporting attorneys in the area of removal defense.
• Experience and knowledge of immigration law/removal defense.
• Knowledge of immigration-related agencies and use of portals such as EOIR, USCIS, and the ICE detainee locator.
• Self-starter able to work independently without supervision.
• Proactively seeks additional duties and responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Manage intake of immigration referral requests from defense counsel for advisal memoranda assignment.
• Process referrals in the case management system.
• Communicate with clients and/or client family members to obtain immigration histories.
• Act as a liaison between defense counsel and the Immigration Division Chief.
• Accompany Immigration Specialists to the jail to communicate with clients, when necessary.
• Assist Immigration Specialists in obtaining client immigration histories.
• Navigate the Harris County District Clerk's website to access public information.
• Communicate with Harris County Sheriff's Office Central Records Sergeants to obtain ICE detainers, when necessary.
• Connect clients and client family members with local nonprofit immigration legal service resources.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree