Immigration Justice Project - Senior Paralegal TX-CA

The American Bar Association (ABA) was founded on a commitment to advance the rule of law in the United States and beyond by providing practical resources for legal professionals, conducting law school accreditation, developing model ethics codes and more. Today, the ABA remains a member-based organization that works to ensure access to justice for all, a fair legal process, and respect for the rule of law at home and across the globe.

The ABA is committed to service and refining the standards that guide the legal profession. ABA staff are provided multiple types of continuing education and career development opportunities. Your work will help eliminate bias, enhance diversity, and advance the rule of law throughout the US and around the world.

The ABA recognizes the value staff contribute to our success through a generous benefits package that protects their health and their financial security. The ABA’s wide array of benefit offerings include 401(k), medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, health spending accounts, supplemental life and disability insurance, prepaid legal programs, and a complimentary membership to the American Bar Association, which offers additional benefits.

Flexible/hybrid work arrangements may be available for residents of CA, DC, IL, IN, MD, MI, MN, TX, VA, and WI. Residency requirements may apply. ABA employees are eligible to apply for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).

Serves as a mentor and trains paralegals, legal assistants, and other legal support staff. Provides substantive case and court support to attorneys and accredited representatives. Prepares legal filings and documents (e.g., client affidavits, pleadings, motions, etc.) as directed.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities

• Serve as a mentor and trains paralegals, legal assistants, and other legal support staff.
• Provides paralegal support and assistance to assigned legal staff. Prepares legal filings and documents (e.g., immigration applications, correspondence, translations, etc.) as directed.
• Assesses the urgency of situations and determines appropriate actions, monitors status of pending items, and provides updates/feedback to appropriate legal team members.
• Oversees client case files as directed by staff attorneys and Accredited Representatives. Monitors case activities and maintains the data integrity of case management systems.
• Accesses, processes, and ensures the confidentiality and control of client information.
• Assists with referral of clients to pro bono counsel, as directed. Conducts and assists with coordination and tracking of other legal services, as necessary.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Required Education, Qualifications, Experience

• Possession of an Associates degree or higher education from an accredited U.S. institution in paralegal studies, criminal justice, political science or related field, or three years’ experience as a paralegal.
• One or more years of experience as a paralegal.
• Fluent in English and Spanish in written and spoken forms.
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office products and Google tools.
• Must be able to pick on client visual and verbal cues.
• Have reliable transportation to travel to off-site work locations.
• Ability to travel and enter detention facilities.
• Must be insurable and have an acceptable driving record.
• In accordance with federal rules and regulations, background checks may be required for this position.

Preferred Education, Qualifications, Experience

• Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or higher in paralegal studies, criminal justice, political science or related field and 1 year experience as a paralegal.
• Possession of a current certificate of completion of an ABA-approved paralegal program.
• Prior work experience with children, particularly from Central America and including Mayan language- speaking populations.
• Prior volunteer, community, or work experience regarding immigration or detention.
• Prior non-profit experience, particularly involving immigration detention.

Physical Requirements

Typical office setting. Continuously operates a computer and other office machinery, such as telephone, copy machine, and computer printer.

Travel

As a normal course of business, this job will typically require travel of less than 15% of the time.

The Benefits and Incentives Offered

• Medical and prescription insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Voluntary life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Prepaid Legal Plan
• 401 (k)
• Paid company holidays
• Personal time off
• Vacation time off
• PSLF participant

The Application Process

Visit the job posting and submit an online application including your cover letter and resume.

The Salary

The starting hiring salary for this position is $61,155.00 to $64,496.00 based on relevant experience and education.

The American Bar Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Disability/Veteran. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with the American Bar Association, please call 312-988-5188.