Legal Assistant
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a prominent humanitarian organization dedicated to aiding individuals affected by conflict and disaster. They are seeking a bilingual Legal Assistant to support a legal services program for unaccompanied children, focusing on immigration relief options and case management. The role involves conducting intakes, preparing legal documents, and coordinating with other program staff to provide comprehensive support to clients.
Responsibilities
- Coordinate case referrals and facilitate initial client meetings with attorneys, set up new case files (both electronic and physical files), and input data in relevant case management systems to ensure accurate and timely tracking of cases
- Assist in conducting intakes or follow-up meetings with unaccompanied child clients, gathering supporting documents, and preparing translations
- Conduct visits with clients at the ORR shelter, LTFC facility, URM facilties, or Administrative Placement facilities in the Dallas-Fort Worth area to facilitate legal case preparation
- Assist in preparing filings for State Court, Immigration Court, Asylum Office, and USCIS
- Prepare affidavits, legal correspondence, and other supporting documents for the Staff Attorney, Managing Attorney, and other legal staff to advance the client’s legal immigration case
- Provide interpretation for clients at USCIS interviews or State Court, as needed
- Travel to State Court or Immigration Court within the Dallas-Fort Worth area as needed for filings or case preparation
- Coordinate with other IRC program staff to provide wrap-around services, where appropriate, and prepare referral packages for children who move out of local jurisdiction
- Support development of partnerships that have potential to bring valuable supports to clients
- Communicate with clients to provide case status updates as directed by the attorney, request documents and other information, schedule appointments, and manage other communication as needed
- Translate documents from Spanish to English
- Track deadlines for the Children’s Legal Services team and prepare monthly reports
- Process and record daily mail; assist with monthly data reporting submissions; prepare monthly invoicing documentation; track deadlines for the Children’s Legal Services team; and prepare monthly reports as needed
- Other duties as assigned to support the Children's Legal Services program
Skills
- An undergraduate degree or equivalent work experience in the legal field
- Fluency in both Spanish and English required
- Excellent attention to detail, ability to multi-task, and comfort working in a fast-paced environment
- Demonstrated ability to work independently, solve problems and exercise sound judgement
- Evidence of capacity to be a strong team member in a highly collaborative social service environment
- Deep commitment to working with immigrants, children, asylum seekers
- Trauma-informed and sensitive listening and communication skills
- Personal integrity in handling ethically complex and confidential situations
- Commitment to anti-racism and ongoing learning
- Strong computer literacy, research, and analysis skills
- Ability and willingness to travel frequently in and around the service area to attend hearings and interviews and engage with clients and community partners
- Experience in a legal setting highly desirable, but not required
- Experience working with children highly desirable, but not required
Benefits
- 10 sick days
- 10 US holidays
- 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure
- Medical insurance starting at $163 per month
- Dental starting at $6.50 per month
- Vision starting at $5 per month
- FSA for healthcare and commuter costs
- A 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching
- Disability & life insurance
- Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles
- Hybrid, flexible work options available
Company Overview
Company H1B Sponsorship