Staff Paralegal Hybrid (Immigration)

The Staff Paralegal will work as a member of the immigration unit to provide legal assistance to qualified immigration clients including clients in removal proceedings. This full-time, hybrid, non-exempt position reports to the Supervising Attorney.    

Responsibilities

• Maintain caseload of immigration cases including but not limited to Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, Asylum, Naturalization, U-Visa, T-Visa, VAWA Self-Petition, and Adjustment of Status, under attorney supervision.
• Dependent on grant, assist with grant reporting and tracking grant deliverables 
• Prepare legal work under the supervision of an attorney.
• Maintain detailed and accurate case notes and timekeeping in case management system (LegalServer).
• Prepare and maintain client files, electronic and/or physical.
• Assist attorney with intake and initial client appointments.
• Interview clients effectively and efficiently communicate with clients including accurately relaying legal advice provided by the attorney. 
• Prepare legal forms, pleadings, memoranda, correspondence and other legal documents. 
• Assist attorneys with citation checking, case investigation, witness interviews, factual and legal research.
• Perform various clerical duties such as record-keeping, document copying, e-Filing, etc.
• When qualified, engage in interpretation and translation for attorneys.
• Work with a multi-cultural perspective of inclusion and diversity. 
• May be required to work at clinics and/or workshops located in local courts, CLA SoCal offices, or at partner agencies. 
• Perform other duties as required to meet the needs of the organization.

• Paralegal certificate, paralegal degree, or 
• Bachelor’s degree and  a minimum of one year of law-related experience under the supervision of an attorney who has been an active member of the State Bar of California for at least the preceding three years or who has practiced in the federal courts of this state for at least the preceding three years, and a written declaration from this attorney stating that the person is qualified to perform paralegal tasks. Experience in immigration law, including humanitarian-based claims such as Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, Asylum, Naturalization, U-Visa, T-Visa, VAWA Self-Petition, and Adjustment of Status – Preferred. 
• Experience working with clients in removal proceedings and/or experience working on applications filed for clients in removal proceedings - Preferred. 
• Commitment to working with immigrants, vulnerable populations, survivors of abuse, human trafficking or other trauma. 
• Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, active insurance policy or other ability to travel frequently in and around the service area for representation and to engage with clients and community partners - Required.
• Hybrid - At least 3 days in office. 
• Strong technical skills; including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams). 
• Excellent analytical, communication, listening skills, strong writing skills.
• Ability to work well under pressure and several activities at once.
• Self-motivated, ability to learn quickly, initiative to problem-solve.
• Capacity to meet strict deadlines.
• Great organizational skills with keen attention to detail.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment.
• Ability to interact with a wide range of clients utilizing client-centered lawyering and trauma-informed frameworks.
• Proven interest in social justice.
• Commitment to CLA SoCal’s mission – Required.
• Bilingual proficiency (both written and oral) – Required.