Legal Assistant/Paralegal, Immigration Unit

Legal Aid DC seeks a Legal Assistant/Paralegal to provide administrative and legal support to its Immigration law practice.

Since 1932, Legal Aid has provided civil legal assistance to clients in individual cases and engaged in systemic reform. Currently, we provide individual representation in consumer law, domestic violence/family law, housing, public benefits, and appellate matters. We also work on immigration matters and help individuals with the collateral consequences of their involvement with the criminal justice system. From the experiences of our clients, we identify opportunities for law reform, public policy advocacy, and systemic impact and appellate litigation. 

Legal Aid believes that meaningful pursuit of our anti-poverty mission requires an unwavering commitment to racial justice and equity. We aspire both to reflect the rich racial diversity of the communities we serve and to value, respect, and empower our staff and clients to be effective agents of change. For more information about Legal Aid please visit our website, www.LegalAidDC.org. 

Legal Aid DC’s Immigration Unit consists of a director, staff attorneys, and a fellow. The Immigration Unit focuses on survivors of family violence, human trafficking, and crime, including long-term representation for U visas, T visas, VAWA, affirmative and defensive asylum, and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status cases. The Legal Assistant/Paralegal would be part of a dynamic team to ensure effective and efficient delivery of services.

Responsibilities

• Performing basic clerical support
• Assisting with affirmative and defensive immigration matters including litigation preparation, immigration form filling, declaration drafting, evidence collection and legal research
• Drafting basic written communication to clients and other parties under supervision
• Coordinating or providing interpretation or translation of client communications and court documents, as applicable
• Maintaining and updating internal and public-facing legal guidance under supervision
• Conducting initial applicant intakes and interviews
• Follow up on pending matters to ensure timely resolution
• Working collaboratively and effectively with co-workers in receiving, reviewing, and distributing office mail on a rotating, as-needed basis
• Staffing the front desk of Legal Aid and working in community-based offices throughout DC on a rotating, as-needed basis

• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• A commitment to racial, social, and economic justice
• Exceptional interpersonal and organizational skills
• Effective oral and written communication skills with attention to detail
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize assignments
• Proactive approach to managing projects
• Ability to work both independently and in collaboration with others
• Proficient computer skills, including MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and Google applications
• Bilingual skills in Spanish, Amharic, or another language prevalent in Legal Aid’s client community

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience working in a law firm setting, legal services, or both

• A two-year commitment to this role

Salary and Benefits

The Legal Assistant/Paralegal will be paid in accordance with Legal Aid's policy based on years of relevant full-time experience. Lateral hires will receive credit for years of relevant work experience. Starting salaries are as follows:

• Entry-level: starting at $52,428
• 2 years of relevant work experience: $55,937
• 3 years relevant work experience: $60,897
• 5 years relevant work experience: $64,732

Legal Aid generally provides two salary increases per year, depending on funding availability: a cost-of-living increase at the beginning of the year and a step increase in July. 

Legal Aid offers a generous benefits package, including eligibility for fully paid health insurance, annual retirement match, 13 paid holidays, 20 days of annual leave per year and 15 days of sick leave per year.    

Click here for full salary scale and additional benefits information. 

This position is included in the bargaining unit represented by the National Organization of Legal Services Workers, UAW Local 2320. New hires start with a 90-day probationary period before they are considered full-time, regular employees. 

To Apply

Legal Aid values an inclusive, diverse workplace and encourages applications from interested persons from diverse backgrounds of any race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, personal appearance, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. We strongly encourage applications from people with personal experience with the criminal justice system and/or with lived experiences in the communities we serve. Interested persons should submit a letter of interest and resume here. Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted. Application closes December 6, 2024.  No emails or phone calls, please.