Paralegal

Position Summary:

The candidate will work alongside a team of experienced immigration attorneys and professionals. Will prepare and file petitions using LawLogix. Experience in preparing immigration petitions, applications and visas is essential. The candidate should have one to three years of experience with a focus on employment-based immigration law. Must have knowledge of how to prepare and file petitions and case management experience using an immigration case management database system, preferably LawLogix. Experience with data entry, MS word and MS excel also required.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Assist the attorney with the preparation of religious worker cases to be filed with USCIS, the Department of State or the Administrative Appeals Office
  • Assist the attorney with the management of client cases and files
  • Assist the attorney with updating and maintaining client data, including “immigration” information, in Case Management Software, or CMS
  • Assist with the preparation of petitions, applications, sponsor letters, instructions letters, etc. and compile exhibits and other supporting documentary evidence in a timely manner for attorney review
  • Communicate with clients to obtain information and necessary documentation for case preparation
  • Ensure proper organization and filing of client documents after case is prepared per attorney instructions
  • Send completed case work to clients and file cases with USCIS and U.S. Consulates per attorney instructions
  • Review client information in CMS when new client cases are retained
  • Assist attorney with beginning new cases and processes in CMS
  • Notify clients of case processing and updates per attorney instructions
  • Ensure proper recordkeeping of immigration documents in client files
  • Keep attorney fully informed of client communications and updates
  • Act as a member of the section’s CLINIC Convening team
  • Perform all administrative duties as required by the attorney, primarily related to his/her caseload and case preparation
  • Protect client's confidential information
  • Willing to understand, respect and contribute to CLINIC’s vision, values and belief

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the key components and primary responsibilities.

Other:

Demonstrate knowledge of and support the organizations mission, vision, value statements, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality standards, and the code of ethical behavior

  • Occasional travel may be required to attend CLINIC’s board of directors meetings, and other special events
  • Fulfill CLINIC’s expectations that all staff abide by the following Organization Behaviors
    • Serve with integrity
    • Develop innovative solutions
    • Promote learning – for themselves, for their colleagues, and for our network
    • Cultivate constructive relationships
    • Model stewardship
    • Maintain a positive attitude
    • Exhibit leadership skills and initiative
    • Communicate effectively
    • Own your work
    • Teamwork and cooperation with colleagues
    • Resolves conflicts effectively and makes effective decisions

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

  • Associate’s degree
  • One to three years of administrative or legal work experience
  • One to three years of immigration law experience
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint
  • Proven data management experience
  • Experience using online Case Management Software
  • Able to successfully handle problems and challenges while exercising tact and courtesy
  • Experience performing internet research
  • Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines
  • Attention to detail and adherence to directions
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Strong internal and external relationship building and service skills
  • Ability to work independently as well as part of a team

Work Environment:

  • This position may require extended periods of standing, sitting, as well as some repetitive movements, bending and repetitive lifting of significant weight.
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the key components and primary responsibilities.

This position is currently remote with possibility of a hybrid situation.

Hourly rate of $20/hour.

Please send your resume, cover letter and salary requirements to careers@cliniclegal.org

Closing Date

Employment Type

CLINIC

Employment Level

Job

Hours

Full Time

Reports To

Staff Attorney

Position

Paralegal

Organization

The Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc.

Job Location

Silver Spring, MD
United States

RIS Staff Attorney

Summary Description:

The Staff Attorney has responsibility for providing direct legal immigration services to dioceses and religious institutes sponsoring foreign born religious workers; upholding a high level of legal responsibility in analyzing and applying complex immigration law and policy; developing, maintaining, and managing attorney client relationships; assisting the section to develop priorities and strategies to fulfill its mission; maintaining client data in LawLogix; supervising paralegal; and maintaining expertise on religious immigration law.

Primary Responsibilities:

Legal Representation

  • Represent a minimum of 100 individual cases before Department of Homeland Security and Department of State.
  • Provide accurate and comprehensive legal advice to dioceses and religious institutes on immigration options for individuals they are sponsoring and how immigration regulations impact the dioceses and religious institutes.
  • Provide accurate and comprehensive legal advice to foreign nationals for long-term planning on immigration status, nonimmigrant status, travel issues, permanent residence, and naturalization.
  • Maintain a broad knowledge and understanding of U.S. immigration law and be informed about changes in immigration regulations and policies.
  • Exercise independent legal judgment and discretion in clients’ work.
  • Prepare and provide strategic planning to dioceses and religious institutes to assist them in complying with immigration regulations.
  • Analyze complex legal issues with long-term implications.
  • Analyze individual’s immigration documents and organization’s qualifying documents.
  • Review client’s immigration history and background.
  • Develop strategies tailored to individual cases which impact major life decisions.
  • Communicate and consult daily on immigration matters with clients and potential clients.
  • Respond daily to email, phone calls, faxes, etc. from clients.

Case Management

  • Manage cases from the initial non-immigrant stage through permanent residence and naturalization.
  • Maintain expertise in managing caseload through the Section’s case management software, LawLogix.
  • Update LawLogix on a daily basis with case notes, reminders, call-ups, and new documents.
  • Regular review of all active files to ensure compliance with immigration law, current information and documents, and to determine immediate or future action.
  • Prepare monthly case reports for RIS Director.
  • Participate in weekly case management meetings.
  • Advise clients on record keeping and strategic planning for immigration purposes.
  • Maintain client confidentiality in providing dual representation for dioceses/religious communities and religious workers.

Advocacy

  • Work with CLINIC’s Advocacy Section to develop priorities and strategies for advocacy.
  • Provide Advocacy Section with compelling stories of religious worker cases.
  • Work with Department of Homeland Security and Department of State to assist with individual advocacy of specific cases.
  • Contact members of Congress on individual constituent cases.
  • Respond to government regulations affecting religious worker cases.

Training and Technical Assistance

  • Prepare and provide trainings for staff of dioceses and religious institutes, through seminars, workshops, and webinars.
  • Prepare and or contribute to a quarterly newsletter and pamphlets on religious immigration issues to inform clients on religious immigration issues.

Outreach and Development of Organizational Clients

  • Promote on-site and web-based consultations for religious institutes, dioceses and seminaries to review their policies and procedures on religious immigration cases and help them establish appropriate internal procedures regarding foreign-born religious workers.
  • As assigned, accept opportunities to speak at conferences held by religious institutes, dioceses and seminaries.
  • As assigned, writes articles and participates in seminars on religious immigration issues sponsored by other organizations.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

  • Juris Doctor Degree
  • One to three years of immigration law practice
  • Member in good standing of the Bar of the highest court in any State or the District of Columbia
  • In-depth knowledge of immigration law
  • Strong legal analytical skills
  • Able to successfully make recommendations that affect the entire Section and, on occasion, the entire organization
  • Ability to travel on occasion for trainings, site visits, and conferences
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Able to multi-task and manage priorities
  • Experience using LawLogix or other online case management software
  • Strong organization skills
  • Demonstrate knowledge of and support the organizations mission, vision, value statements, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality standards, and the code of ethical behavior
  • Fulfill CLINIC’s expectations that all staff abide by the following Organization Behaviors
    • Serve with integrity
    • Develop innovative solutions
    • Promote learning – for themselves, for their colleagues, and for our network
    • Cultivate constructive relationships
    • Model stewardship
    • Maintain a positive attitude
    • Exhibit leadership skills and initiative
    • Communicate effectively
    • Own your work
    • Teamwork and cooperation with colleagues
    • Resolves conflicts effectively and makes effective decisions

Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity Commitment:

CLINIC considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, family responsibilities, religion, age, disability, service in the military, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. CLINIC also provides “reasonable accommodations” to qualified individuals with disabilities, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws. All interested individuals, regardless of background, are encouraged to apply.

We embrace and encourage our employees’ differences in race, color, ancestry, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, and other characteristics that make our employees unique.

Work Environment:

  • This position may require extended periods of standing, sitting, as well as some repetitive movements, bending and repetitive lifting of significant weight.
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the key components and primary responsibilities.

Salary:

  • $80,000 - $85,000

This is a hybrid position with our headquarters located in Silver Spring, Maryland.

To Apply:

If you are interested in applying for this vacancy, please click here.

Closing Date

Employment Type

CLINIC

Employment Level

Job

Hours

Full Time

Classification

Exempt

Reports To

Managing Attorney, RIS

Position

RIS Staff Attorney

Organization

The Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc.

Job Location

Hybrid - Silver Spring, MD 20910
United States

All About DOJ Recognition and Accreditation

Join CLINIC staff for this comprehensive webinar presentation on DOJ recognition and accreditation. We will discuss how to apply for initial recognition and accreditation; renewal of recognition and accreditation; and extension of recognition. We will also discuss how to comply with the requirements for reporting, recording keeping, and posting after obtaining recognition. Participants will receive tips for a successful application, learn about the latest trends and developments in R&A that we have seen in CLINIC’s network.

Attorney

Catholic Charities is the social ministry outreach of the Archdiocese of Washington. We believe in strengthening the lives of all in need by giving help that empowers and hope that lasts. Catholic Charities works to create a world in which every person is cherished, regardless of individual limitations, and strengthened in the use of personal gifts in order to reach his or her full potential as a valued member of the community. We are looking for exceptional people who share our vision and values.

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington values the safety of our employees, our clients, and our visitors. In support of these values, if you are selected for this job you must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, except when vaccination is not medically advised or violates your sincerely held religious beliefs. If you are invited to join our team, you must submit proof that you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or you must request an exemption from your representative. New employees must either provide proof of vaccination or be granted a medical or religious exemption before working with Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington.

Inspiring Hope. Building Futures.

Summary:

The Attorney provides legal advice and representation in accord with the best practice of the profession. The position assists the Director of Immigration Legal Services with all internal and external reporting and with the supervision of assigned interns/volunteers.

Responsibilities:

  • Interview individuals seeking legal assistance and advise the client as to possible options through proper interpretation of current laws.
  • Provide ongoing legal representation to the client commencing with the initial intake interview, drafting of documents, correspondence and client applications/petitions.
  • Conduct outreach activities in the community related to legal issues.
  • Assist with the supervision of assigned interns/volunteers.
  • Ensure the timely submission of all external and internal program reports.
  • Serve as liaison between the program and community partners.

Education and Experience:

  • Law Degree (J.D.)
  • Admission to the practice of law in any state and/or Washington, DC (Maryland Bar Preferred).
  • This position will require completion of Continuing Legal Education, in addition to any and all licensing requirements for the Jurisdiction where the attorney is licensed to practice.
  • One-year experience in immigration law.

Skils and Competencies:

  • Bilingual (English and Spanish).
  • Verbal and written communication skills.
  • Public speaking skills in English and Spanish.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities:

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

Closing Date

Employment Type

Affiliate Agency

Employment Level

Job

Hours

Full Time

Position

Attorney

Organization

Catholic Charities

Job Location

Silver Spring, MD
United States

Attorney

Catholic Charities is the social ministry outreach of the Archdiocese of Washington. We believe in strengthening the lives of all in need by giving help that empowers and hope that lasts. Catholic Charities works to create a world in which every person is cherished, regardless of individual limitations, and strengthened in the use of personal gifts in order to reach his or her full potential as a valued member of the community. We are looking for exceptional people who share our vision and values.

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington values the safety of our employees, our clients, and our visitors. In support of these values, if you are selected for this job you must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, except when vaccination is not medically advised or violates your sincerely held religious beliefs. If you are invited to join our team, you must submit proof that you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or you must request an exemption from your representative. New employees must either provide proof of vaccination or be granted a medical or religious exemption before working with Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington.

Inspiring Hope. Building Futures.

Summary:

The Attorney provides legal advice and representation in accord with the best practice of the profession. The position assists the Director of Immigration Legal Services with all internal and external reporting and with the supervision of assigned interns/volunteers.

Responsibilities:

  • Interview individuals seeking legal assistance and advise the client as to possible options through proper interpretation of current laws.
  • Provide ongoing legal representation to the client commencing with the initial intake interview, drafting of documents, correspondence and client applications/petitions.
  • Conduct outreach activities in the community related to legal issues.
  • Assist with the supervision of assigned interns/volunteers.
  • Ensure the timely submission of all external and internal program reports.
  • Serve as liaison between the program and community partners.
  • Complete Continuing Legal Education, in addition to any and all licensing requirements for the Jurisdiction where the attorney is licensed to practice.

Education and Experience:

  • Law Degree (J.D.).
  • Admission to the practice of law in any state and/or Washington, DC.
  • One-year experience in immigration law.

Skils and Competencies:

  • Bilingual (English and Spanish).
  • Verbal and written communication skills.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities:

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

Closing Date

Employment Type

Affiliate Agency

Employment Level

Job

Hours

Full Time

Position

Attorney

Organization

Catholic Charities

Job Location

Washington, DC
United States

New Americans Initiative Director

Summary:

Under the guidance of the Directing Attorney, the New Americans Initiative (NAI) Director will oversee the legal screening and application preparation and submission for participants eligible for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), employment authorization, naturalization/citizenship, and residency renewal. The NAI Director will ensure program staff conduct activities necessary for compliance with the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Responsibilities:

  • Plan, monitor, and evaluate effectiveness of Immigration Legal Services Program, implementing best practices and ensuring timely completion of required deliverables 
  • Coordinate and operate Citizenship and Immigration Services, including the administration of policies and programs, client advisement, marketing, development, orientation programming, and crisis management 
  • Meet with clients and other professionals to discuss details of case and provide advising of immigration regulations and documents requirements to clients through individual appointments, phone calls, and/or emails 
  • Prepare affidavits or other documents, such as legal correspondence, and organize and maintain documents in paper or electronic filing system 
  • Co-manage and facilitate workshops, conferences, seminars, and professional development related to immigration compliance, policies and processes
  • Provide legal supervision of staff and their caseloads on immigration matters 
  • Develop and maintain relationships with partner organizations and coalitions 
  • Support staff to identify, train, and develop a growing network of informed and engaged Community Navigators 
  • Monitor changes to immigration law, regulations, and policy; prepare for significant changes in immigration law and their impact on program development and client services 
  • Oversee data collection and recording, and ensure accurate and thorough client records are maintained 
  • Prepare clear and concise reports, and assist with completing grant proposals and renewal applications 
  • Ensure compliance with ethical rules and all applicable regulations 
  • Oversee adult education classes 
  • Represent Spanish Community Center at community functions and at other events as requested 
  • Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

  • Commitment to immigrant rights and communities’ ability to support each other, organize, and achieve desired goals together 
  • Experience communicating with clients and government agencies, such as USCIS, ICE, CBP, NVC, and EOIR regarding immigration matters 
  • Bilingual proficiency in Spanish 
  • Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills; empathic listener sensitive to legal issues experienced by diverse immigrant communities
  • Ability to work effectively and build relationships with people of diverse social, economic, racial/ethnic, and faith backgrounds 
  • Proactive self-starter with a solution-oriented mindset and willingness to take initiative 
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills 
  • Ability to stay organized, manage a high volume workload, and work under strict deadlines 
  • Strong proofreading and detail-oriented research and writing skills 
  • Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from community members and the general public
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • A valid driver’s license, vehicle, and car insurance strongly preferred 
  • Flexibility to work some evenings and weekends as required

Work Schedule:

Monday through Friday, 9am – 5pm Weekends as needed

Spanish Community Center is an equal opportunity / affirmative action center supporting diversity and inclusion.

Closing Date

Employment Type

Affiliate Agency

Employment Level

Job

Hours

Full Time

Reports To

Directing Attorney

Position

New Americans Initiative Director

Organization

Spanish Community Center

Job Location

Joliet, IL
United States

Staff Attorney

Summary:

This position is part of the Will County R3 Collaborative Grant that creates a network of legal, mental health, and case management services available to Will County residents through a partnership between eight community agencies and the County. This unique network is focused on restorative justice and healing in the community, with emphasis on communities primarily impacted by socioeconomic and racial disparities in the County.

Responsibilities:

  • Provide expert consultation and representation to clients and potential clients including case preparation and follow-up
  • Conduct legal intake interviews to assess client cases and eligibility for assistance through the R3 program
  • Maintain up-to-date awareness of relevant laws, policies and procedures
  • Meet with clients and other professionals to discuss cases and provide advising of regulations and documents requirements to clients and families through individual appointments, phone calls, and or e-mails
  • Conduct interviews and make observations that assist decision-making
  • Examine records and other documents to establish facts or detect discrepancies
  • Prepare affidavits or other documents, such as legal correspondence, and organize and maintain documents in paper or electronic filing system
  • Develop, document, and disseminate internal intelligence and training materials.; facilitate dissemination of inter-agency and partner agency materials
  • Develop and foster partnerships with local, state, regional, and national agencies, community partnerships, and educational alliances
  • Organize Know Your Rights workshops
  • Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

  • Juris Doctorate degree
  • Experience in immigration, education, housing, family, and criminal law cases strongly preferred 
  • Bilingual in English and Spanish
  • Ability to stay organized, manage a high volume workload, and work under strict deadlines 
  • Demonstrated ability to build relationships and work effectively with people of diverse social, faith, economic and racial/ethnic backgrounds
  • Excellent verbal, analytical, writing, and organization skills 
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Flexibility to work some evenings and weekends as required

Work Schedule:

Monday through Friday, 9am – 5pm Weekends as needed

Salary:

$60,000

Spanish Community Center is an equal opportunity / affirmative action center supporting diversity and inclusion.

Closing Date

Employment Type

Affiliate Agency

Employment Level

Job

Hours

Full Time

Reports To

Directing Attorney

Position

Staff Attorney

Organization

Spanish Community Center

Job Location

Joliet, IL
United States