ProBAR - Paralegal TX

$45,455 - $52,273/Yr

American Bar Association - Harlingen, TX

Full-time - Entry Level

Hybrid - Harlingen, TX

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

The Paralegal at ProBAR plays a crucial role in supporting attorneys and accredited representatives by preparing legal filings and documents, ensuring that children receive the necessary support in their immigration cases. This position is integral to providing high-quality, compassionate legal services to immigrants, particularly unaccompanied children in federal custody. The role involves working closely with legal staff, managing case files, and maintaining confidentiality while navigating sensitive situations.

Responsibilities

• Provides support and assistance to assigned legal staff.
• Prepares legal filings and documents such as immigration applications and correspondence.
• Assesses the urgency of situations and determines appropriate actions.
• Monitors status of pending items and provides updates to legal team members.
• Oversees client case files as directed by staff attorneys and Accredited Representatives.
• Monitors case activities and maintains data integrity of case management systems.
• Accesses, processes, and ensures confidentiality of client information.
• Assists with referral of clients to pro bono counsel as directed.
• Conducts and assists with coordination and tracking of other legal services as necessary.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Requirements

• Possession of an associate degree or higher in paralegal studies, criminal justice, political science, or related field, or two years' experience as a paralegal.
• Fluent in English and Spanish in written and spoken forms.
• Intermediate proficiency with online research and Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, OneDrive, Teams).
• Familiar with conducting virtual meetings and training on software such as Zoom and Teams.
• Ability to pick up on client verbal and non-verbal cues.
• Reliable internet and phone connection.
• Reliable transportation to travel between office and off-site work locations.

Nice-to-haves

• Possession of a bachelor's degree or higher in paralegal studies, criminal justice, political science, or related field, and 1 year work experience as a paralegal.
• Possession of a current certificate of completion of an ABA-approved paralegal program.
• Prior work experience with children, particularly from Central America and Indigenous language-speaking populations.
• Prior volunteer, community, or work experience regarding immigration or detention.
• Prior non-profit experience, particularly involving immigration detention.

Benefits

• Medical and prescription insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Voluntary life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Prepaid Legal Plan
• 401 (k)
• Paid company holidays
• Personal time off
• Vacation time off
• Self-care time off
• Sign on bonus offered
• Relocation Stipend offered for in state and out of state relocation