Immigration Paralegal

Immigration ​Paralegal​ 

Position Type: ​Temporary Full-Time​ ​Non-Exempt​ 

Location: ​Minneapolis, MN 55403​ 

Introduction: 

MMLA is seeking a dedicated individual to be part of our dynamic team. If you’re ready to contribute your skills and compassion to meaningful work, we invite you to explore this exciting opportunity.  

The successful candidate will work fully in the office during the training period to ensure comprehensive onboarding and integration into our processes. Upon completion of training, a hybrid work model will be offered, allowing for a mix of in-office and remote work. This position is funded through June 2027.  

What’s in it for you? 

• We believe in work-life harmony. This role offers the flexibility to blend remote work with in-office collaboration.  

• On Fridays, the office closes at noon, and employees enjoy a half-day of paid flex time. 

• MMLA provides on-the-job training and mentorship, with opportunities for growth within the organization.   

Why MMLA? 

• We’re not just ticking boxes. We’re genuinely committed to diversity. Bring your unique identity, experiences, and perspectives—we want them all! 

• Our mission? Equal justice for all. In your cover letter, tell us how your background can amplify this cause. Let’s change our lives together. 

• Discrimination and harassment have no place here. We’re building a respectful, supportive workplace where everyone thrives. 

• Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values for Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid, and it is critical that we incorporate these values into all aspects of our work. We recognize the particular and highly detrimental impact of racism — and of Minnesota’s racial disparities — on MMLA’s clients and staff. We, therefore, devote special attention to issues of racial justice. 

Primary Responsibilities: 

• Apply the principles of MMLA’s Racial Justice Values Statement in all interactions internally and externally to Mid Minnesota Legal Aid.  

• Screen callers for immigration assistance, complete an intake if appropriate or provide referrals if not within MMLA priorities. This includes listening with compassion, using trauma-informed interviewing skills, understanding complex funding sources, and having a basic understanding of the avenues for immigration status for which we represent. Additionally, responding to email and online intake inquiries and partner referrals.  

• Outreach at and with community organizations and partner organizations, understanding the importance of community relationships to build trust and rapport with the clients we serve.   

• Support for the Special Immigrant Juvenile Status pro bono project, including case screening and placement, volunteer communication, and supporting the lead project attorney in preparing immigration applications, gathering supporting documents, obtaining records, and client follow up to allow for efficient processing of client matters.   

• Other support to case handlers on exhibit preparation, case preparation assistance, and communication with clients. 

• Participate in intake, unit and agency meetings, and events as needed by the Immigration Law Project unit and by MMLA. Contribute to the ongoing development and improvement of ILP systems and functioning. Contribute to the development of a statewide immigration coordinated intake and/or referral system through our work on the Regional Hub for New Americans.  

• Comply with agency policies including administrative requirements, use of case management software, grant reporting, and behavioral expectations necessary for smooth and efficient operation of the office as assigned by a supervising attorney, managing attorney or deputy director.  

Required Qualifications: 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) 

• Excellent written and oral communication skills 

• Strong word processing and general computer skills 

• Experience using email and case management software 

• Ability to relate to people in crisis situations 

• Dedication to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles 

• Self-motivated and able to work independently 

• Strong communication and collaboration skills within a team 

• Ability to multi-task and work well under pressure 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Work, volunteer, or lived experience with diverse economic, social, rural, and/or cultural communities 

• Paralegal or legal assistant experience, especially in immigration law 

• Prior experience working with survivors of domestic violence and trauma 

• Legal training or background 

• Knowledge of community resources 

• Experience with case management software 

• Experience with diverse populations 

• Fluency in a relevant second language, including Spanish, Somali, Russian, Haitian Creole, or other language prevalent in the Minnesota immigrant community 

Compensation Information: 

• $52,661 to $55,874, depending on experience​, plus benefits. Benefits include family medical and dental insurance, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, 403(b) with employer match, FSA, employee assistance programs, and generous paid time off.​ 

• Salary Determination: Salary is based on relevant prior experience and aligned with our organizational salary matrix. Candidates are placed on the schedule according to years of directly related experience to ensure consistency and equity. 

• Language Proficiency Credit: For client-facing roles, fluency in a relevant non-English language or ASL may count as one additional year of experience. Fluency must be certified at Intermediate High or above, with sufficient oral and written skills to perform all job duties without an interpreter. Assessment is conducted by an external testing service. 

• This position is currently expected to be temporary from January 2026 through June 2027.  

Application Submission: 

• Interested candidates should submit their cover letter, resume, and references at https://mylegalaid.org/employment by December 5th, 2025.   

If the above link directed you to our Career Page and you do not see the correct posting, we have paused or ended the application submission window.  

If you require a reasonable accommodation for completing this application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in our employee selection process, please contact Megan Cook at mcook@mylegalaid.org.  

Please direct all other inquiries to hiring@mylegalaid.org.  

Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid is an Equal Opportunity employer. The terms and conditions of employment, including wages, benefits, and job security, may vary based on union status. Positions within our organization may be governed by collective bargaining agreements and union representation, while others are not.