Legal Assistant/Paralegal, Immigration Unit

About the position

The Legal Assistant/Paralegal in the Immigration Unit at Legal Aid DC provides essential administrative and legal support to the immigration law practice, focusing on assisting survivors of family violence, human trafficking, and crime. This role is integral to ensuring effective service delivery and involves collaboration with a dynamic team to support various immigration matters, including U visas, T visas, VAWA, and asylum cases.

Responsibilities

• Performing basic clerical support
• Assisting with affirmative and defensive immigration matters including litigation preparation, immigration form filling, declaration drafting, evidence collection and legal research
• Drafting basic written communication to clients and other parties under supervision
• Coordinating or providing interpretation or translation of client communications and court documents, as applicable
• Maintaining and updating internal and public-facing legal guidance under supervision
• Conducting initial applicant intakes and interviews
• Follow up on pending matters to ensure timely resolution
• Working collaboratively and effectively with co-workers in receiving, reviewing, and distributing office mail on a rotating, as-needed basis
• Staffing the front desk of Legal Aid and working in community-based offices throughout DC on a rotating, as-needed basis
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• A commitment to racial, social, and economic justice
• Exceptional interpersonal and organizational skills
• Effective oral and written communication skills with attention to detail
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize assignments
• Proactive approach to managing projects
• Ability to work both independently and in collaboration with others
• Proficient computer skills, including MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and Google applications
• Bilingual skills in Spanish, Amharic, or another language prevalent in Legal Aid's client community

Nice-to-haves

• Prior experience working in a law firm setting, legal services, or both
• A two-year commitment to this role

Benefits

• Eligibility for fully paid health insurance
• Annual retirement match
• 13 paid holidays
• 20 days of annual leave per year
• 15 days of sick leave per year