Paralegal in the Community Defense (Immigration) Unit

Make a difference! Become a Defender! 

The Defender Association of Philadelphia is seeking a highly organized, mission driven, and detailed oriented Paralegal for our immigration practice. The Community Defense Unit (CDU) will provide direct legal services in immigration law matters by representing clients in immigration court hearings, immigration appeals, and federal filings with USCIS, U.S. Department of State, and federal courts. In addition, the unit will provide immigration analysis and advice in Pennsylvania criminal cases involving non-citizen defendants for whom the Defender Association is appointed. 

Because the CDU is a new unit within the Defender Association, the Paralegal will work closely with the Chief and the Unit Coordinator to ensure the administrative processes developed for the Unit are effective and efficient. Organization, attention to detail, strong communication skills, and a willingness to learn are necessary attributes for this role. 

This position as a paralegal is funded by a sub-award contract with Nationalities Services Center and under its terms, the funding, and thus this position ends on June 30, 2026, unless the Nationalities Services Center and/or the Defenders gets continued funding. While we hope that the funding continues beyond that date, we cannot guarantee employment past that date. 

What You’ll Do

• Case Advocacy: Conduct consultations and intakes, analyze cases for program eligibility, and identify potential conflicts of interests. 
• Interpretation: Provide professional interpretation during meetings and interviews and perform accurate translation of legal documentation. 
• Legal Support: Assist attorneys in research, preparing affidavits, applications, and motions for Immigration Court (EOIR), USCIS, and federal filings.
• Client Relations: Serve as a primary point of contact for clients and their families, providing updates, resolving problems, and offering social support. 
• Operational Excellence: Maintain complex case files and databases, helping to develop and refine the administrative workflows of this new unit.
• Community Engagement: Coordinate with partner agencies and perform outreach to strengthen the support network for non-citizen Philadelphians.

What You’ll Need

• Bachelor or Associate degree with paralegal certification, or any equivalent combination of relevant education and professional experience, preferred
• Fluency in Spanish, Haitian Creole, and/or French is preferred
• Experience working with indigent clients in criminal justice or immigration proceedings, preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Keen sense of organization skills and attention to detail. 
• Strong analytical skills and ability to problem-solve independently. 
• Ability to communicate effectively, professionally, and respectfully with clients, family members, internal staff, and external agencies/personnel. 
• Ability to work in a high-volume practice and prioritize assignments effectively.   
• Commitment to professionalism in the workplace.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or similar computer software. 
• Familiarity with EOIR and USCIS preferred
• Working knowledge of computer databases preferred.   
• Familiarity with Westlaw and the legal research process.
• General knowledge of basic administrative and clerical systems.
• Ability to handle sensitive matters and commitment to maintain client confidentiality. 
• Travel to go to court, immigration detention facilities, and the Philadelphia jails if necessary. 

Benefits & Perks

• Generous and rich benefits plan including choice of affordable medical plans, and employer paid: dental, vision, life insurance, long term disability insurance and professional liability insurance
• Substantial paid time off- close to 35 days off plus all federal holidays
• Retirement Savings Employer Match
• Paid parental leave
• Free Septa Anywhere Key Card
• Public Loan Forgiveness Eligible Employer
• Meaningful Work 
• Wellness Benefits
• Ongoing Training and Development of You

Salary: 

$48,000 to $50,000 with an outstanding benefits package

How to apply:

Please submit an online application with a detailed cover letter describing related experience and interest in the role. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. 

Who is the Defender Association? 

The Defender Association of Philadelphia is more than just a law firm. We’re the community’s lawyers. The Defender team – more than 500 attorneys, social workers, investigators, administrators, and other staff – make sure that everyone, regardless of income, has access to high-quality defense when facing criminal charges. Our mission-driven, client-centered model focuses on outcomes that support a system that is fundamentally fair and creates safer, stronger communities. Our unique model and approach give our staff with the skills and support they need to get the best outcomes for our clients. Come join our team! For more information, go Defender’s Pretrial Unit and follow  us @PhillyDefenders (Twitter, IG, Tiktok) and on LinkedIn. 

The Defender Association provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, The Defender Association complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.