Paralegal

The Agency:

Americans for Immigrant Justice (AI Justice), an award-winning not-for-profit legal services organization founded in 1996 to protect and promote the basic human rights of immigrants, has a multicultural and a multilingual staff. AI Justice has represented clients from around the world and is recognized as a powerful advocate and national leader for immigrants' rights. AI Justice works closely with traditional civil rights groups as well as grassroots organizations and local, state and national government officials to affect positive change in immigration policies.

AI Justice is seeking a qualified and detail-oriented, full-time Paralegal to join our dynamic legal team. The ideal candidate will have strong organizational skills, excellent research abilities, and a deep understanding of legal procedures. As a Paralegal, you will play a crucial role in supporting our attorneys by preparing legal documents, conducting research, and managing case files. Key responsibilities include:

·      Communicate with clients and maintain client contact information current.   

·      Conducting intakes, individual client interviews, and follow-up meetings with clients.

·      Assisting attorneys in daily case management tasks for existing and prospective clients  

·      Provide translation and interpretation support services.  

·      Assist, under the guidance of an attorney, with the preparation of motions, applications, and government/agency requests.  

·      Entering and maintaining client information into a case management and database system, working with Legal Server and Microsoft Office platforms.

·      Conduct daily case management by performing data entry, filings, and database maintenance.  

·      Provide administrative support (processing mail, faxing, copying, answering phones, scheduling). 

·      Monitor deadlines and calendar court hearings.  

·      Research issues, such as country conditions.  

·      Gather relevant information as needed in support of a case. 

·      Perform other duties as assigned.     

Qualifications:

·      Experience in public interest law, particularly immigration law, preferred.

·      Ability to work collaboratively with multiple attorneys and staff members.

·      Directly impacted people and those with personal experience in the U.S. immigration system are highly encouraged to apply. 

·      The ideal candidate for this position will be friendly, empathetic, and responsible.  

·      Ability to work independently and under pressure.

·      Ability to handle a high-volume caseload, with multiple deadlines and other tasks simultaneously.

·      Comfortable working in a collaborative, fast-paced environment that values giving and receiving feedback.

·      Enthusiastic about and committed to working alongside people from diverse cultural, educational, professional, and socioeconomic backgrounds. A demonstrated belief in diversity, inclusion, and equity for all individuals.

·      Familiarity with Microsoft Office 365 required. Knowledge of client database systems preferred .

·      Experience working with immigrants preferred.  ·

·      Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.

·      Written and verbal fluency in English required.

·      Spanish and/or Haitian Creole fluency strongly preferred. Speakers of Mayan languages strongly encouraged to apply.

·      Must have own transportation.

·      Must be willing to submit to an extensive background check, including FBI, statewide repository, and sex offender registry checks.

Education: BA Preferred

Location: Candidate must be based in South Florida. Position eligible for work from home, hybrid, or in-office designation in accordance with AI Justice Job Classification Policy.

Salary & Benefits:

·      Salary commensurate with experience. Salary ranges from $46,000 - $71,000, depending on experience.

·      AI Justice offers a comprehensive benefits package, including excellent health, vision, dental, and life insurance coverage; 15 paid days of vacation leave; 14 paid holidays; 10 paid health days. After one year of employment, staff are entitled to paid parental leave and up to 3% matching employer contribution to 403(b) retirement plan. Vacation and health leave increases after two- and five-year anniversaries. Paid sabbatical available at five years.

Interviews: Top candidates will be invited to interview and submit references.

We are currently seeking qualified paralegals to join our team. Applicants will be considered for multiple vacancies, with final placement based on the role that best matches their experience and preferences. We are committed to ensuring that each candidate is placed in a position where they can thrive and contribute effectively to our organization's cause and success.

The positions are for an anticipated 2-year contract term, beginning on January 1, 2027, and employees are expected to commit to the entirety of the period, unless terminated earlier by contract or the employer. 

APPLICATION DEADLINE: OPEN UNTIL FILLED WITH FINAL DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF MATERIALS BY OCTOBER 31, 2026.