Senior Paralegal (Evergreen Posting)

Murray Osorio PLLC•Newark, NJ

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

This is an evergreen position created to proactively build a pipeline of qualified Senior Defensive, Senior Affirmative or Senior Litigation Paralegals for current and future openings within those three departments. The Senior Immigration Defensive Paralegal will have the opportunity to expand their knowledge of Removal Defense.  This candidate will be the first point of contact with clients in the preparation of their case before any Immigration Court across the country. You will be working with various immigration agencies and third-party professionals pertaining to the client’s needs. The position offers a rich environment where the ideal candidate will be exposed to specialize in handling complex cases before the Immigration court. The Senior Immigration Affirmative Paralegal is responsible for providing comprehensive administrative and legal support to attorneys within the firm’s immigration practice. Key duties include preparing and filing affirmative immigration applications, conducting research, drafting affidavits and motions, assembling hearing exhibits, interpreting during case preparation, and maintaining accurate case-management records. This position requires regular client communication, scheduling, and coordination to ensure timely completion of filings and court deadlines. The Senior Immigration Litigation Paralegal plays a key role in supporting immigration-related matters such as habeas corpus petitions, petitions for writs of mandamus, emergency injunctive relief, and lawsuits seeking review of visa petition denials, in federal district courts across the United States; as well as appeals of removal cases to the Board of Immigration Appeals and the various U.S. Courts of Appeals across the country. This candidate will be the first point of contact with clients in the preparation of their case across the country. You will be working with various immigration agencies and third-party professionals pertaining to the client’s needs. The position offers a rich environment where the ideal candidate will be exposed to specialize in handling complex cases before the Immigration court. This is a full-time hybrid position for the initial 90 days of employment. After a successful 90-day period, the possibility of a full remote position will be presented, with occasional mandated in-office days (typically a few per year) required. Employees must reside within a commutable distance of their assigned office - VA, MD, or NJ (typically within 75 miles) and be available for in-person client meetings or office events as scheduled.

Requirements

Must be fluent in Spanish (reading, writing, speaking)
High School Diploma/GED
Minimum of 2 years of work experience in immigration law
Minimum of 2 years of work experience in immigration law with significant exposure to Federal Litigation or Appeals (Senior Litigation Paralegal Role)
Knowledge of Immigration Procedures before USCIS
Able to handle a high volume of work independently and in teams
Able to work in a fast-paced environment
Strong communication skills
Detail-oriented and highly organized
Enthusiasm to learn and take on new challenges
Excellent customer service skills
Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite

Nice To Haves

Experience using AdobePro, Filevine, Docketwise, Salesforce, SharePoint, and Zoom
Bachelor's/associate degree with paralegal studies (ABA approved)

Responsibilities

Assist in the preparation of several forms of relief (such as I-589s, 42A/B’s, I-601, I-485’s, etc.) before the immigration court. (Senior Defensive Paralegal Role)
Assist attorneys in preparing and filing affirmative immigration applications for clients seeking legal status in the US. (Senior Affirmative Paralegal Role)
Assist in the preparation and filing of pleadings such as Complaints, motions, Notices of Appeal, and Appeal briefs before various U.S district courts, Board of Immigration Appeals, or U.S Court of Appeals (Senior Litigation Paralegal Role)
Collect supporting evidence and conduct country conditions research to support the client’s case.
Complete affidavits with clients and any witnesses.
Assist in the preparation of simple and/or complex motions.
Assist with the preparation of the exhibits list, along with the exhibit packet for individual hearings.
Responsible for E-filing through ECAS for allowed cases.
Interpret cases as needed, such as the client’s individual hearing preparation.
Maintain and update the case-management database.
Maintain direct client contact (phone calls/emails).
Schedule appointments for hearings, manage the calendar, and set deadlines.
Work with the Legal Assistant Team to ensure filing arrives at the proper location.
Develop effective working relationships and communicate with attorneys, staff, and clients.