Paralegal, Immigration Practice

Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) is seeking a Paralegal to join our Immigration Practice.

BDS is a public defense office representing low-income New Yorkers in criminal, family, immigration, and civil legal matters. Our work with clients is focused on the intersection of the legal systems that disproportionately impact Black and Brown people living below the poverty level in Brooklyn.

BDS represents thousands of people each year who have diverse, complex, and multi-faceted legal needs. In addition to a zealous legal defense, our interdisciplinary teams of attorneys, social workers and advocates provide a wide range of legal and advocacy services, including housing, public benefits, education, and employment issues.  

BDS’s Immigration Practice is a collaborative team that represents people in detained and non-detained removal proceedings as well as affirmative applications before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Under the direct supervision of the Paralegal Supervisor, the Paralegal will provide support to the Immigration Practice. The Paralegal will be the first point of contact for clients and family members. This will require telephonic and in-person meetings with clients, family members and witnesses.  This position also requires drafting declarations for removal proceedings, preparing applications and making record requests for documentation from courts, medical providers, and police departments.  

Responsibilities:

• Interview clients to gather information necessary for immigration relief screening.
• Collect documents required for immigration applications and court filings, including obtaining them from with clients directly and making requests to government agencies/authorities.
• Complete immigration forms with a high level of factual accuracy and attention to detail.
• Copy, scan, and otherwise assist in the preparation of client application packages for bond, relief from removal, and immigration benefits.
• Under attorney supervision, interview clients and witnesses to prepare draft affidavits and letters of support.
• Maintain accurate digital and paper files and enter information into our digital Case Management System.
• Conduct country conditions, legal, and factual research.
• File paper court filings at various court locations in New York City.
• Additional tasks as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree, paralegal certificate, 2 years of finished college courses or equivalent experience in the immigration legal system. 
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail and highly cognizant of deadlines, due to the general inflexibility of the immigration authorities regarding deadline extension.
• Good written and oral communications skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including an ability to work independently and in a team setting.
• Ability to take responsibility for multiple assignments at the same time, ensuring that all tasks are completed fully and timely.
• Proficiency in Adobe Pro and Microsoft 365 Suite programs (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.)
• Experience with digital case management systems. 
• Notary Public or willingness to become one.
• Second language proficiency preferred. 

Position Information  

This is a non-exempt, salaried position. The normal schedule is Monday to Friday 9am-5pm. The position is based at BDS’s offices, and the courts located in Downtown Brooklyn. For this position, there is a 3 day per week in-office requirement. Applicants should be aware that the in-person requirement is subject to change.

BDS determines salary on a pay scale based on education and experience. For this position, there is a base salary range of $53,995-$80,995 depending on the applicant’s education and experience. BDS offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance and a 403(b) retirement plan. In order to support work/life balance and family-friendly policies, BDS has generous vacation, sick, holiday, family, and medical leave policies.  

Application Instructions     

Click “Apply Now” to submit a cover letter and resume on our online application portal. Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.   We recommend you submit your application by 11/22/2024.

Brooklyn Defender Services is a proud equal opportunity employer committed to celebrating diversity and maintaining an equitable and inclusive work environment. We strongly encourage candidates of all identities, expressions, orientations, disabilities, and experiences to apply. If you require an accommodation due to a disability or another reason, please contact the Managing Director, H.R., Christina Wallace, at cwallace@bds.org.