Job Description

About NIJC

The National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) advances human rights and due process for immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers through direct legal services, impact litigation, advocacy, and public education. Headquartered in Chicago with offices in Washington, DC, Indiana, and San Diego, NIJC's team of over 100 attorneys, paralegals, and professionals, along with 2500 pro bono attorneys, is at the forefront of immigration reform.

Job Summary

As part of NIJC's federal litigation project, the paralegals are responsible for maintaining client case files, tracking case activity in Legal Server, communicating with clients on a regular basis, and interviewing clients and potential plaintiffs as assigned, and providing support for litigation filings, including cite checking.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintains complete, thorough, accurate, and current records in an organized fashion in accordance with legal standards, rules, and ethics.
• Utilize the federal court docketing system for purposes of internal file maintenance.
• Utilize Legal Server for accurate tracking of litigation related matters.
• Following BlueBook and other style guide requirements, cite checking and formatting federal court filings.
• Conducts interviews with clients, potential plaintiffs or class members, and witnesses.
• Drafts applications, affidavits, letters and/or legal pleadings and prepares supporting documentation.
• Prepares materials for submission to the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration Court, or other entities as appropriate.
• Remains current on immigration law, policies, and procedures.
• Ensures the accuracy, substance, and timeliness of statistical and narrative reports, projects, schedules, and other relevant work products.
• In accordance with organizational policies and the ethical standards required of the legal profession, the Code of Professional Responsibility preserves client confidentiality, accounts for client monies, and avoids conflicts of interest.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Competencies

• Legal Skills: Experience analyzing the impact of laws on vulnerable populations and advocating for improved laws and policies. Strong legal research and writing skills. Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, work independently, and collaborate effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Reasoning Ability: Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Technology Knowledge/Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

Qualifications

• Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree. Experience working with immigrants, refugees, or asylum seekers preferred.
• Language Skills: Fluency in Spanish. Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential.
• Other Requirements: Excellent writing, editing, organizational, and computer skills. Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

How to Apply

Please Include:

1. Your resume
2. A compelling cover letter, including the following:
3. Why you are interested in this specific role and in working for NIJC
   
   
   1. How your unique skills and experience will enable you to make a significant impact on our team and help us achieve our mission.
   2. A specific, brief example of a project or accomplishment from your past that best demonstrates your relevant qualifications.
   
   
   
   
   

Physical Abilities Statement

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of the employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time.
• The person in this position occasionally needs to move about the inside of the office to access filing cabinets, office machinery, etc.
• Constantly operating a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a copy machine.

It is the policy of NIJC not to discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of age, color, sex, disability, national origin, race, religion, or veteran status.

By submitting your application, you acknowledge and consent to undergo a comprehensive background check as part of the employment process. This background check will be conducted in compliance with applicable state and federal laws.

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