Immigration Paralegal (Entry Level)

Job Summary:

The Entry Immigration Paralegal supports the work of La Raza CRC’s four (4) immigration attorneys, including the Immigration Legal Director. We work on cases in areas such as Removal Defense (both non-detained and detained), federal court filings, Asylum, Family Petitions, Naturalization, Temporary Protected Status, Green Card renewals, Employment Authorization, Adjustments of Status, DACA renewals, etc. The paralegal will also provide administrative support and will be open to becoming either partially accredited or fully accredited by the U.S. Department of Justice.

The ideal candidate for the Entry Immigration Paralegal role will be bilingual (English/Spanish), possess the ability to work effectively as a team member, efficiently and independently have great attention to detail, and be proactive in solving problems. The candidate will also be client-service oriented, have great organizational skills, have the ability to switch gears easily, and will be highly motivated to serve the immigrant community, and the most vulnerable community members in particular. This role is an entry level paralegal role with the opportunity to support with immigration paralegal work and with a high emphasis on administrative support that ensures the smooth day-to-day operation of the legal team office.

Entry Paralegal duties and responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

• Interview potential clients for consultation intake.
• Organize, analyze, and prepare documents, forms, evidence, and declarations for affirmative applications and immigration court filings.
• Conduct legal research and writing.

• Manage program calendar: schedule client appointments, including reminders, update court hearings

and other events.

• Language interpretation at Naturalization, Adjustment of Status, and Asylum interviews; translate documents between English and Spanish.
• Input client information into the case management system, ensuring all client information, case notes and follow up interactions are updated.
• Maintain client confidentiality and sensitive information.
• Collect, gather, and validate data and assist with preparing reports to support La Raza CRC leadership.
• Support and participate in legal clinics and other community events, including (infrequently) on Saturdays.
• Participate in policy advocacy campaigns and other community initiatives.
• Provide administrative support to Immigration Legal team
• Other duties, as assigned.

Legal Admin Duties:

• Managing calendars for attorneys, including scheduling appointments, meetings, court dates, and other organizational outreach events related to the legal team.
• Answering phones, triaging client calls to the appropriate paralegal or attorney, managing client correspondence, and screening communications.
• Conduct initial client screenings and intakes.
• Scheduling attorney travel arrangements to court.
• Maintaining reporting spreadsheets, client data.

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• Maintaining incoming and outgoing mail, including review, preparation and internal distribution.
• Key note taker for all legal team meetings, including summary and report back

• Preparing and filing documents with courts and regulatory agencies, often via e-filing portals.

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• Ensure proper scans of pleadings are saved in client files.

• Maintain Legal Best Practices:

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• Comply with best practices for non-profit immigration law practice, including legal ramifications, fee collection, maintenance of client files and data for reporting requirements. Participate in regular peer review meetings and legal training.
• Attending relevant meetings with collaborative partners and representing La Raza CRC and its interests in those meetings.
• All other duties: Perform all other duties as needed and/or as directed by their supervisor.

• Legal Clinic Hosting:

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• Create sign-in sheets, and manage rsvp list and outreach invites for legal clinics for community members.

Qualifications

• The California Business and Professions Code, Section6450 (c) states: A paralegal shall possess at least one of the following:

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• A certificate of completion of a paralegal program approved by the American Bar Association.
• A certificate of completion of a paralegal program at, or a degree from, a postsecondary institution that requires the successful completion of a minimum of 24 semester, or equivalent, units in law-related courses and that has been accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization or approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education.
• A baccalaureate degree or an advanced degree in any subject, a minimum of one year of law-related experience under the supervision of an attorney who has been an active member of the State Bar of California for at least the preceding three years or who has practiced in the federal courts of this state for at least the preceding three years, and a written declaration from this attorney stating that the person is qualified to perform paralegal tasks.
• A high school diploma or general equivalency diploma, a minimum of three years of law-related experience under the supervision of an attorney who has been an active member of the State Bar of California for at least the preceding three years or who has practiced in the federal courts of this state for at least the preceding three years, and a written declaration from this attorney stating that the person is qualified to perform paralegal tasks. This experience and training shall be completed no later than December 31, 2003.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent formal and informal education.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in both English and Spanish.

Benefits:

• Employer-paid Health insurance, with Vision including employer-paid premium coverage for dependents.
• Employer-paid Dental with Ortho, including 50% premium coverage for dependents.
• Employer-paid Supplemental Vision, including 50% premium coverage for dependents.
• 403(b) retirement plan, with employer match up to 3% after 1 year of employment.
• Daily Paid lunch hour = 35 hour work week.
• Vacation: one (1) week per year increasing 50% every 2 years up to four (2) weeks.
• Sick Leave Including paid family time
• Holidays: 14 paid per year (includes birthday), plus additional organizational holidays and paid wellness days.
• Paid Parental Leave (Per the San Francisco Paid Parental Leave Ordinance).
• Professional Development Opportunities.
• As a 501(c)(3) organization, we qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by their direct supervisor or any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.

La Raza Community Resource Center (La Raza CRC) is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for any employee or applicant without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability or veteran status.

La Raza CRC also provides reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities or based on a sincerely held religious belief, in accordance with applicable laws. If you need to inquire about an accommodation, or need assistance with completing the application process, please email hr@larazacrc.org.