About the position
The Senior Paralegal at BAL plays a crucial role in the preparation, filing, and monitoring of various immigration and nationality law matters. This position is designed for individuals who have a deep understanding of immigration processes and can serve as a resource for both attorneys and clients. The Senior Paralegal is expected to demonstrate expertise in specific areas of practice, which allows them to handle complex cases independently while also mentoring junior team members. The role requires frequent communication with assignees and HR contacts, acting as the main point of contact for guidance on proprietary systems and case processing. In this fast-paced environment, the Senior Paralegal will manage a high volume of cases, often coordinating work for major clients and ensuring that all aspects of casework are handled efficiently. This includes preparing forms, letters, and documents for attorney review, as well as utilizing document and data management systems to track the status of applications and petitions. The Senior Paralegal is also responsible for evaluating problematic cases, providing strategies and solutions, and initiating contact with government agencies to resolve potential delays. The position requires a proactive approach to case management, with an emphasis on quality assurance and effective communication. The Senior Paralegal will also be involved in training and mentoring junior team members, providing them with the necessary feedback and guidance to enhance their skills. Overall, this role is integral to BAL's mission of delivering exceptional immigration services and making a positive impact on clients' lives.
Responsibilities
- Frequently communicates with assignees and HR contacts, often serving as main point of contact.
- Provides guidance to assignees and HR contacts regarding proprietary systems and case processing.
- Demonstrates mastery of multiple case types, continually builds on knowledge and develops expertise in new areas.
- Independently handles cases; teaches and mentors others; coordinates flow of cases and oversees project.
- Processes a high volume of cases and works on cases of increasing complexity and variation.
- Evaluates problematic cases and proactively provides strategies and/or solutions to issues, partnering with Attorney as needed.
- Prepares forms, letters, documents and correspondence for attorney review; adapts tools and resources for casework which deviates from templates.
- Manages status of all filed applications and petitions and finalizes documents after attorney review.
- Utilizes document and data management systems to prepare, monitor, and record all aspects of client casework as per BAL policy.
- Prepares internal caseload reports for management; begins to generate reports for internal and external use to serve as effective quality assurance and to assist in client management.
- Shares process flow with assignees; identifies problematic cases and discusses strategies and/or solutions with Attorney.
- Performs research to obtain information such as background on a company or industry, current wages, processing procedures, standard processing times, etc.
- Initiates contact with government agencies to obtain necessary information; alerts attorney regarding potential process delays/problems and ensures these are addressed and resolved.
- Acts as a mentor for team members; provides developmental feedback to junior team members, directly related to work on specific area of practice.
Requirements
- Demonstrate mastery of Paralegal skills.
- Proven ability to handle a high volume of cases.
- Proven ability to become thoroughly proficient in handling complex, challenging, and VIP cases.
- Proven ability to manage corporate clients as it relates to area of specialization.
- Comprehensive knowledge of Team practice.
- Ability to quickly absorb, learn and become skilled at a variety of legal work.
- Able and willing to share knowledge with others and effectively communicate policies/procedures/protocols to all.
- Capable of highly independent work.
- Typically at least 3+ years U.S. corporate immigration experience.
- Bachelor's degree + 1-year law-related experience under licensed attorney; or, PL certificate from ABA approved program.
