Positions is based out of NIJC’s Chicago office. If you don’t meet all of the requirements in any of the job listings, convince us that you’re the best candidate for the job anyway.

The Paralegal provides general paralegal support through intake, research, case review, documentation preparation and other related tasks to support general operations and the work of staff and pro bono attorneys. This posting is for a position with NIJC’s Immigrant Legal Defense Project, which offers a wide range of low-cost and free legal services to low-income immigrants in jurisdiction of the Chicago immigration court, and represents immigrants before U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services and the Executive Office for Immigration Review.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conducts intake, as assigned.
• Conducts legal and factual research.
• Assesses cases to determine eligibility.
• Conducts interviews with clients and witnesses.
• Drafts applications, affidavits, letters and/or legal pleadings and prepares supporting documentation.
• Prepares materials for submission to Department of Homeland Security, Immigration Court, or other entities as appropriate.
• Reviews, analyzes and presents cases to supervisor.
• Conducts educational presentations.
• Remains current on immigration law, policies and procedures.
• Maintains complete, thorough, accurate and current records in an organized fashion in accordance with legal standards, rules and ethics.
• Ensures the accuracy, substance and timeliness of statistical and narrative reports, projects, schedules and other relevant work products.
• In accord 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.

Qualifications:

• Education and/or Experience: Bachelors degree with demonstrated experience working with immigrants, refugees and/or asylum seekers. At least one year of experience working with these populations preferred.
• Language Skills: Fluency in another language may be required. Ability to communicate articulately with internal and external audiences.
• Other Qualifications: Excellent writing, editing, organizational and computer skills required. Ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently and perform well under strict deadlines.