Senior Paralegal- Immigration (VA) & Pro Bono Program

Ayuda•Fairfax, VA

6d•$63,500 - $75,000•Hybrid

About The Position

PURPOSE STATEMENT: The Senior Paralegal provides high quality legal assistance and operational support to advance Ayuda’s immigration services. This position primarily supports the Virginia Managing Attorney through direct client services, case preparation, and practice management, ensuring the effective delivery of comprehensive, client-centered representation. In addition, the role supports Ayuda’s Pro Bono Program by assisting with clinic coordination, case placements, and related administrative tasks. Through this allocation of responsibilities, the Senior Paralegal helps strengthen both direct representation and pro bono legal services to expand access to justice for Ayuda’s clients. ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE Ayuda is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing direct legal, social and language access services, education, and outreach to low-income immigrants in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Since 1973, Ayuda has provided critical services on a wide range of issues, in the process acquiring nationally recognized expertise in several fields including immigration law, language access, domestic violence and human trafficking. Ayuda has office locations in Washington, DC, Silver Spring, MD and Fairfax, VA. WHY DO YOU WANT THIS JOB? Because, just like everyone at Ayuda, you believe: In seeing communities where all immigrants succeed and thrive in the United States. In the overall success of our organization and all our programs. That families should be healthy and safe from harm. That all people should have access to professional, honest, and ethical services, regardless of ability to pay or status in this country. That diversity and equality make this country better.

Requirements

Must be legally able to work in the United States and maintain proper work authorization throughout employment.
Must be able to meet the physical requirements of the position presented in a general office environment.
This position will be based primarily in our Virginia office but will require occasional visits to the D.C. office.
This position is hybrid and will include both in-person and remote workdays.
Have at least 3+ years of relevant experience working as a legal assistant or paralegal at an immigration legalservices provider or other immigration practice.
Experience serving low-income immigrants in legal areas relevant to Ayuda’s practice.
Experience assisting attorneys with a significant immigration caseload including a mixture of affirmative cases and a removal defense docket.
Experience working with, or knowledge of pro bono programs.
Experience working with?children, survivors of gender-based?trauma, and/or survivors of trafficking.
Fluency in written and spoken English is required.
Bilingualism in written and spoken Spanish is required; bilingualism in other languages will be considered.
Demonstrated sensitivity to and knowledge of issues involved in working with diverse populations, including survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking.
Demonstrated knowledge and ability to provide short-term, brief services, such as those delivered in a clinic setting.
Detail oriented and able to meet deadlines.
Strong understanding of common forms of immigration relief, including but not limited to civil protection orders, family-based petitions, U Visas, work permit renewals, advance parole applications, and similar forms of relief as applicable (and depending upon program).
Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse multidisciplinary team.
Strong writing and editing skills.
Proficient in Microsoft Office with the interest and ability to learn other software programs.

Responsibilities

Support the Virginia Managing Attorney’s caseload by providing case management assistance, communicating with clients, preparing and organizing filings, tracking deadlines, and maintaining accurate and up to date data in the case management platform.
Pull and compile data for periodic audits conducted by the Managing Attorney to support review of the legal team’s case database and ensure case notes, deadlines and alerts are timely, accurate, and maintained in accordance with internal practices.
Opportunity to provide mentorship and professional guidance to less experienced paralegals and/or intake specialists, supporting their development and effective integration into the team, as capacity allows, and in consultation with the Managing Attorney.
Assist with case-related data collection and provide support for Virginia program reporting needs as directed.
Attend coalition meetings and events as Ayuda’s representative as needed.
Assist Ayuda’s Pro Bono Program in planning and implementing virtual and in-person legal clinics, including preparing and organizing case files and coordinating clinic logistics.
Maintain accurate and timely Legal Server records and ensure adherence to program protocols and case management standards for matters that are placed for pro bono representation.
Assist with secondary client screenings and prepare comprehensive case placement packets for pro bono matters, including coordinating conflict checks and ensuring required documentation is complete.

Benefits

Platinum-level medical insurance plan 100% employer-paid
Dental and vision insurance 100% employer paid
Long-term disability insurance 100% employer paid
Life and AD&D insurance 100% employer paid
Pre-tax 401(k) with Employer match on first 3% of salary
Vacation Days: 21 days per year until year 3, 27 per year in years 3-7 and 33 days per year after 7 years employment. Employees begin with 3 days of vacation leave.
New employees begin with 5 days of Health & Wellness (sick) leave and accrue an additional 5 hours per pay period plus emergency medical leave up to 12 weeks per year
12 weeks paid parental leave
24 days paid holidays and staff wellness days, including Winter Break, the last week of the year
Job-related professional development fees (including annual state bar dues and professional memberships)
Flexible work schedules
Employees with federal student loan debt may be eligible to apply for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the Department of Education.