Paralegal Spanish Bilingual - Immigration (Hybrid)

Description

Use your passion for justice to help individuals and families navigate the immigration system and secure life-changing legal outcomes.

The Spanish speaking Immigration Unit Staff Paralegal will work as a member of the immigration unit to provide legal assistance to qualified immigration clients including clients in removal proceedings. This full-time, hybrid, non-exempt position reports to the Supervising Attorney.   

Responsibilities:

• Maintain caseload of immigration cases including but not limited to Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, Asylum, Naturalization, U-Visa, T-Visa, VAWA Self-Petition, and Adjustment of Status, under attorney supervision.
• Dependent on grant, assist with grant reporting and tracking grant deliverables.
• Prepare legal work and maintain client files both electronically and/or physically under the supervision of an attorney.
• Assist attorney with intake and initial client appointments, case investigation, witness interviews, factual and legal research.
• Interview clients effectively and efficiently communicate with clients including accurately relaying legal advice provided by the attorney. 
• Prepare legal forms, pleadings, memoranda, correspondence and other legal documents and assist with checking citations, record-keeping, document copying, e-Filing, etc. 
• Observe confidentiality of attorney-client relationship.
• Maintain calendar and deadline systems and provide interpretation and translation when qualified.
• Work with a multi-cultural perspective, including community groups, conduct outreach, and provide community education presentations and materials.
• Work with and mentor paralegal and law students from local law schools, colleges and community colleges.
• May be required to work at clinics and/or workshops located in local courts, CLA SoCal offices, or at partner agencies. 
• Perform other duties as required to meet the needs of the organization.

Requirements

Education:

• Paralegal certificate, OR a bachelor’s degree with at least one year of attorney-supervised, law-related experience in California (including a written declaration confirming qualification to perform paralegal tasks).

Qualifications:

• Spanish Bilingual proficiency (written and oral) – Required.
• Experience in immigration law, including humanitarian-based claims such as Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, Asylum, Naturalization, U-Visa, T-Visa, VAWA Self-Petition, and Adjustment of Status – Preferred. 
• Experience working with clients in removal proceedings and/or experience working on applications filed for clients in removal      proceedings—Preferred. 
• Commitment to working with immigrants, vulnerable populations, survivors of abuse, human trafficking or other trauma. 
• Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, active insurance policy or other ability to travel frequently in and around the service area for representation and to engage with clients and community partners - Required.
• Strong technical skills; including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams). 
• Strong writing skills, excellent analytical, communication, and listening skills.
• Ability to work well under pressure and do several activities at once, while meeting strict deadlines. 
• Self-motivated, keen attention to detail, and quick learner. 
• Ability to interact with a wide range of clients utilizing client-centered lawyering and trauma-informed frameworks.
• Ability to model CLA SoCal’s values and mission - Required

Holistic Benefits:

• The position is structured as a 35-hour workweek. Exempt status may require additional hours as needed to perform essential job functions. 
• Hybrid Schedule
• 16 paid holidays + PTO (including wellness days) starting Day 1
• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and long-term disability
• 401(k) with employer contribution
• Student loan reimbursement program
• Bilingual bonus pay for qualified staff

About CLA SoCal:

Community Legal Aid SoCal (CLA SoCal) is a welcoming and hopeful non-profit organization dedicated to meeting the legal needs of low-income residents and seniors throughout Orange and Los Angeles Counties. We provide equal employment opportunities. We strongly encourage all interested individuals to apply, including people of different abilities, religions, identities, orientations, nationalities, and ethnicities. All individuals who are seeking a welcoming environment who celebrate and value the unique characteristics of every member of the team who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive at CLA SoCal to apply for this role.