Paralegal - Immigrant Legal Defense, NIJC

Job Description

Job Description

About NIJC

The National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) advances human rights and due process for immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers through direct legal services, impact litigation, advocacy, and public education. Headquartered in Chicago with offices in Washington, DC, Indiana, and San Diego, NIJC's team of 100 attorneys, paralegals, and professionals, along with 2,000 pro bono attorneys, is at the forefront of immigration reform.

Job Summary :

The Paralegal provides general paralegal support for the Immigrant Legal Defense team and the Post Asylee Refugee Benefits Pro Bono Project. The paralegal conducts intake, research, case review, documentation preparation and other related tasks to support general operations and the work of staff and pro bono attorneys. This paralegal position requires Spanish and/or French fluency, ability to engage in community outreach, and provide legal consultations at off-site locations. Individual accountability and work volume will be established through the development of annual Success Objectives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conducts intake, as assigned.
• Conducts legal and factual research.
• Assesses cases to determine eligibility.
• Conducts interviews with clients and witnesses.
• Drafts applications, affidavits, letters, and/or legal pleadings and prepares supporting documentation.
• Prepares materials for submission to the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration Court, or other entities as appropriate.
• Reviews, analyzes, and presents cases to supervisor.
• Tracks individual cases and outcomes
• Interprets and translates for department and other Organization staff as needed, including at USCIS and ICE interviews and appointments.
• Represents NIJC at clinics and events with stakeholders, including pro bono partners. Remains current on immigration law, policies, and procedures.
• Maintains complete, thorough, accurate, and current records in an organized fashion in accordance with legal standards, rules, and ethics.
• Ensures the accuracy, substance, and timeliness of statistical and narrative reports, projects, schedules, and other relevant work products.
• In accordance with organizational policies and the ethical standards required of the legal profession, the Code of Professional Responsibility preserves client confidentiality, accounts for client monies, and avoids conflicts of interest.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Core Competencies:

• Strategic Thinking and Judgment - Makes thoughtful, informed decisions that consider client needs, legal requirements, and NIJC's mission. Understands how day‑to‑day work connects to broader organizational goals.
• Operational Excellence - Delivers accurate, timely, and well‑organized work. Maintains strong documentation practices and follows processes that support high‑quality legal services.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration - Works effectively with attorneys, paralegals, pro bono partners, and community organizations. Shares information, communicates clearly, and contributes to a supportive team environment.
• Equity-Centered Decision-Making - Approaches decisions with fairness, awareness, and respect for the lived experiences of immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. Identifies and avoids barriers that could impact access to services.
• Communication and Influence - Communicates clearly and compassionately with clients, colleagues, and partners.
• Change Navigation and Adaptability - Responds effectively to shifting policies, priorities, and client needs. Maintains flexibility in a fast‑paced environment and adjusts workflows as circumstances evolve.
• Client Service Orientation - Demonstrates empathy, patience, and professionalism, especially when clients are navigating trauma or uncertainty.
• Problem Solving and Continuous Improvement - Identifies issues early, proposes solutions, and looks for ways to strengthen processes. Seeks feedback and uses it to improve the quality and impact of their work.

Technical Skills:

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Case management system familiarity (e.g., Legal Server)
• Accurate and timely maintenance of case data for reporting and compliance
• Proficiency with communication platforms (Teams, Zoom, SharePoint)
• Strong document drafting & version control
• Ability to maintain organized, audit‑ready client file

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor's degree with demonstrated experience working with immigrants, refugees, and/or asylum seekers.  At least one year of experience working with these populations is preferred.
• This position requires regular communication with clients in Spanish. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written Spanish.
• Strong writing, editing, organizational, and computer skills required.  Ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently and perform well under strict deadlines.

How to Apply

Please Include:

1. Your resume
2. A brief cover letter that highlights your interest in this role, why the work resonates with you, and any experience that connects to NIJC's mission and the responsibilities of the position.

Physical Abilities Statement

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time.
• The person in this position occasionally needs to move about the inside of the office to access filing cabinets, office machinery, etc.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a copy machine.

It is the policy of NIJC not to discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of age, color, sex, disability, national origin, race, religion, or veteran status. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire .

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