Entry-Level Immigration Associate (Bilingual)

Job post summary:

Pay:

Starting at $90,000.00

Company Description:

Haynes Novick Kohn Immigration (HNK) is a Washington, DC-based law firm that focuses exclusively on immigration law, providing services across employment-based, family-based, humanitarian, and removal defense matters. The firm is widely recognized in the legal community for its expertise in complex visa categories, naturalization, asylum, and deportation defense, including cases at the intersection of criminal and immigration law. HNK emphasizes clear communication, helping clients understand legal requirements and processes so they can actively participate in their cases. The firm is committed to legal excellence, strict confidentiality, ethical practice, and high-quality client service, driven by a deep dedication to helping individuals from around the world navigate challenging immigration issues.

Role Description

The Entry Level Associate will support attorneys in a full-time, hybrid role based in Washington, DC, with some flexibility to work from home. Day-to-day responsibilities include assisting with case preparation, drafting and reviewing immigration forms, motions, briefs, and other legal documents under attorney supervision. The associate will conduct legal and factual research, organize supporting evidence, maintain case files, and help track deadlines across a variety of immigration matters. The role also involves communicating with clients, gathering information and documentation, and helping explain procedures and next steps in a clear, professional manner. The Entry Level Associate will collaborate closely with attorneys and staff to support efficient case management and high standards of client service.

Qualifications

• JD degree from an accredited U.S. law school.
• Professional proficiency in Spanish required.
• Admission to a U.S. state bar;
  Maryland admission preferred. We will accept applicants with bar results pending.
• Prior exposure to immigration law through an immigration clinic, summer clerkship, paralegal position, or previous legal position required.
• Excellent legal research, writing, editing, proofreading, and oral communication skills.
• Strong analytical, evaluative, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Excellent time management and multitasking skills in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet strict deadlines.
• Strong client-service skills and professional demeanor.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with attorneys and support staff.
• Strong judgment and ability to identify issues and propose solutions proactively.
• Ability to receive constructive feedback and demonstrate a commitment to professional growth.
• Ability to delegate to, oversee, train, and develop paralegals and legal assistants.
• Proficiency with Clio, INSZoom, Adobe, Microsoft Office, and other legal technology platforms is preferred.

Key Responsibilities and Duties:

• Assist Supervising Attorneys and senior attorneys with the preparation and filing of immigration matters across various practice areas.
• Draft motions, briefs, legal memoranda, declarations, evidentiary filings, and other legal documents.
• Prepare and review immigration applications, petitions, and supporting documentation.
• Assist with federal court matters, including mandamus and APA complaints and habeas corpus petitions.
• Conduct client, witness, and qualifying-relative meetings and assist with preparation of declarations.
• Accompany and represent clients at USCIS interviews, EOIR hearings, and CBP deferred inspection appointments.
• Conduct in-depth legal research and remain current on immigration laws, regulations, policies, procedures, filing requirements, and agency practices.
• Participate in case strategy discussions and provide thoughtful legal analysis and practical solutions.
• Identify potential immigration issues and develop strategies to address them.
• Develop knowledge of G-4 issues, unlawful presence bars, and criminal-immigration matters.
• Participate in consultations with prospective and existing clients to assess eligibility for immigrant and nonimmigrant visa options.
• Effectively manage an assigned caseload and adhere to strict deadlines while maintaining exceptional client relations.
• Serve as a point of contact for clients and provide timely legal advice, case updates, and information regarding important deadlines and case developments.
• Follow up with USCIS, EOIR, CBP, clients, and other relevant parties as appropriate.
• Regularly review active cases and case reminders to ensure matters are progressing appropriately.
• Prepare complete and accurate case filings for Supervising Attorney review.
• Organize and maintain legally compliant client files in Clio, INSZoom, and other Firm systems.
• Assist Supervising Attorneys with oversight of paralegal and legal assistant case production.
• Review and provide guidance on filings, letters, and legal documents prepared by paralegals and legal assistants.
• Delegate appropriate tasks and assist with training and development of paralegals and legal assistants.
• Contribute to the Firm newsletter and other legal or educational content.
• Assist with maintaining team checklists, email templates, form letters, and other documents and workflows.
• Assist partners and senior attorneys with legal projects and other matters as needed.
• Explore opportunities for niche practice areas and contribute to business development initiatives.
• Interest in developing experience in business immigration is a plus, but not required.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location:Hybrid remote in Washington, DC 20036

Ability to commute/relocate:

Washington, DC 20036: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Job Type: Full-time

NO RECRUITERS/STAFFING COMPANIES