Pro Bono Paralegal

SK Battery America • New York, NY

2d • $85,000 - $95,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a Pro Bono Paralegal to join our Firm. This position will be based in our New York office (hybrid). The Pro Bono Paralegal provides administrative and case support on pro bono immigration matters and other Spanish-language pro bono matters that are staffed by attorneys and business services professionals from offices across the Firm. The Pro Bono Paralegal serves as an interpreter to facilitate conversations in English and Spanish and provides written Spanish/English translations on pro bono matters, including those focused on immigration, housing and family law, as needed. The Pro Bono Paralegal assists the Firm’s Pro Bono Immigration Attorney with tracking of pro bono immigration matters across offices and provides updates and reports to the Pro Bono Department. Acts as the main point of contact for Spanish-speaking pro bono clients. Coordinates meetings and follow-ups, screens calls and advises attorneys on client requests/concerns. Escalates issues as needed to attorney teams and the Pro Bono Department. Interprets conversations between English-speaking lawyers and Spanish-speaking clients via telephone, videoconference, and in-person meetings. Provides translation of documents and client correspondence to/from Spanish/English for attorney review. Works with other business services professionals providing non-English interpretation and translation for pro bono matters to help ensure that such support is provided under best practices and with the necessary cultural and emotional competence. Assists the Firm’s Pro Bono Immigration Attorney with the careful tracking of pro bono immigration matters across offices and provides updates and reports to the Pro Bono Department. Maintains knowledge of relevant immigration policies, procedures, and internal structures, and assists the Pro Bono Immigration Attorney in developing related practice materials and projects. Organizes and manages electronic and paper files. Ensures that all files are maintained with department-approved protocols and case management systems. Maintains the integrity of client files. Assists with the preparation and filing of pleadings, applications, petitions, requests, responses, inquiries, and other court or agency papers, as needed. Assists with retrieval of rules and regulations, as needed. Assists with preparation for interviews, depositions, hearings, trials, and/or virtual/in-person client meetings. Performs non-legal research using various research tools, including the Internet, Westlaw, LexisNexis, PACER, and/or other court-related websites for case law, statutes, articles, books, etc. Demonstrates effective interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills to facilitate effective work relationships with others. Manages Firm resources responsibly. Complies with and understands Firm operation, policies and procedures. Performs other related duties as assigned or needed.

Requirements

• Fluent in Spanish with ability to translate Spanish language documents to/from English and interpret conversations in English and Spanish languages
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to apply judgment, discretion, and cultural competency on sensitive topics
• Demonstrates close attention to detail
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with relevant Firm computer software (e.g., Outlook, Word, Excel) with the ability to learn new software and operating systems
• Ability to navigate various electronic databases and document repositories
• Strong research skills and proficiency in using various research tools
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, organizational, and planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple assignments, shifting priorities, and increasing responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact courteously and effectively with others and work both independently and collaboratively.
• Proven ability to handle sensitive matters with discretion and maintain confidentiality.
• Flexibility to travel and adjust hours and work the hours necessary to meet operation and business needs
• Bachelor's degree
• Minimum of three years of experience in a paralegal position or a position requiring similar skillset, expertise and experience.

Nice To Haves

• Immigration Paralegal experience is a plus

Responsibilities

• Provides administrative and case support on pro bono immigration matters and other Spanish-language pro bono matters
• Serves as an interpreter to facilitate conversations in English and Spanish and provides written Spanish/English translations on pro bono matters
• Assists the Firm’s Pro Bono Immigration Attorney with tracking of pro bono immigration matters across offices and provides updates and reports to the Pro Bono Department
• Acts as the main point of contact for Spanish-speaking pro bono clients
• Coordinates meetings and follow-ups, screens calls and advises attorneys on client requests/concerns
• Interprets conversations between English-speaking lawyers and Spanish-speaking clients via telephone, videoconference, and in-person meetings
• Provides translation of documents and client correspondence to/from Spanish/English for attorney review
• Works with other business services professionals providing non-English interpretation and translation for pro bono matters
• Maintains knowledge of relevant immigration policies, procedures, and internal structures, and assists the Pro Bono Immigration Attorney in developing related practice materials and projects
• Organizes and manages electronic and paper files
• Assists with the preparation and filing of pleadings, applications, petitions, requests, responses, inquiries, and other court or agency papers, as needed
• Assists with retrieval of rules and regulations, as needed
• Assists with preparation for interviews, depositions, hearings, trials, and/or virtual/in-person client meetings
• Performs non-legal research using various research tools, including the Internet, Westlaw, LexisNexis, PACER, and/or other court-related websites for case law, statutes, articles, books, etc.
• Demonstrates effective interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills to facilitate effective work relationships with others
• Manages Firm resources responsibly
• Complies with and understands Firm operation, policies and procedures
• Performs other related duties as assigned or needed

Benefits

• Competitive salaries and year-end discretionary bonuses.
• Comprehensive health care (medical, dental, vision), savings plan/401(k) and voluntary benefits.
• Generous paid time off.
• Paid leave options, including parental.
• In-classroom, remote, and on-demand learning and professional development opportunities.
• Robust well-being classes and programs.
• Opportunities to give back and make an impact in local communities.

What This Job Offers

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