Paralegal (Immigration)
GMHC is a health and social services agency seeking a Paralegal to support their Legal Services department by providing high quality pro bono immigration legal services. The Paralegal will assist with client interviews, case strategy, legal research, and documentation preparation, while working with a diverse clientele.
Responsibilities
- Assist with initial client interview to obtain relevant case information
- Assist legal staff with determining case issues and planning case strategy
- Investigate, compile and digest facts of the case:
- Arrange for outside interpreter if necessary
- Locate, obtain, and preserve client documentation
- Review and organize client documentation
- Analyze and summarize all data
- Research and analyze legal sources:
- Locate and summarize applicable statutory, regulatory and case law
- Draft motions and legal memoranda for attorney review
- Prepare appropriate forms regarding client matters before the Departments of Homeland Security, State and Justice
- Draft correspondence to clients, courts, attorneys, etc
- Coordinate with client to assemble documentation, complete questionnaires and forms, review case status, etc
- Develop, maintain and administer tickler system, database, master dockets and calendars
- Review file on a regular basis, consult with attorney and prepare regular status reports to client
- Consult with attorney and/or DOJ Accredited Rep(s) to determine if client is eligible to naturalize
- Assist client in obtaining necessary documentation for application
- Prepare and file application with USCIS
- Prepare client for interview
- Must be willing to travel within New York City and occasionally work evenings and weekends for special events
- Must attend and participate in Immigrant Justice Corp convening meetings
- Assists with special projects and performs other related duties as assigned
- Assists with training support staff and volunteers as necessary
- Attends relevant department and agency meetings
Skills
- Bachelor's degree required
- Paralegal certification required
- Combination of education and experience in the field
- Assist with initial client interview to obtain relevant case information
- Assist legal staff with determining case issues and planning case strategy
- Investigate, compile and digest facts of the case
- Arrange for outside interpreter if necessary
- Locate, obtain, and preserve client documentation
- Review and organize client documentation
- Analyze and summarize all data
- Research and analyze legal sources
- Locate and summarize applicable statutory, regulatory and case law
- Draft motions and legal memoranda for attorney review
- Prepare appropriate forms regarding client matters before the Departments of Homeland Security, State and Justice
- Draft correspondence to clients, courts, attorneys, etc
- Coordinate with client to assemble documentation, complete questionnaires and forms, review case status, etc
- Develop, maintain and administer tickler system, database, master dockets and calendars
- Review file on a regular basis, consult with attorney and prepare regular status reports to client
- Consult with attorney and/or DOJ Accredited Rep(s) to determine if client is eligible to naturalize
- Assist client in obtaining necessary documentation for application
- Prepare and file application with USCIS
- Prepare client for interview
- Must be willing to travel within New York City and occasionally work evenings and weekends for special events
- Must attend and participate in Immigrant Justice Corp convening meetings
- Assists with special projects and performs other related duties as assigned
- Assists with training support staff and volunteers as necessary
- Attends relevant department and agency meetings
- Prior internship, volunteer experience, or coursework related to immigration law or legal services
- Experience working with nonprofit organizations, community-based service providers, or legal clinics serving vulnerable populations
- Be open/accepting of people and their lifestyles and life situations
- Excellent written and interpersonal skills; ability to effectively interact with clients and staff
- Demonstrated ability to work independently
- Bilingual in English and Spanish
- Microsoft Office and Excel Proficiency
- Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including data tracking and analysis for case management and program performance
- Creating and maintaining spreadsheets to monitor client progress and service deliverables
- Using formulas, pivot tables, and data validation tools to ensure documentation accuracy
- Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook for email communications, calendar coordination, and client scheduling
- Word for drafting legal documentation, formal correspondence, and grant-related reporting
- PowerPoint for preparing outreach, training, or public education presentations
- Experience using electronic case management or client documentation systems such as Clio, TREAT, AWARDS, AIRS, eCOMPAS, or similar platforms
- Familiarity with or ability to learn immigration-related case tracking tools and online government portals
- Ability to retrieve and document case updates and government communications to support legal case preparation
- Strong documentation practices to maintain accurate case records, service notes, and supporting documentation
- Ability to follow established protocols related to client confidentiality, HIPAA requirements, and organizational documentation standards
- Attention to detail in maintaining records that support program reporting, compliance requirements, and audit readiness
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