Immigration Paralegal

A fast-growing, nationally recognized law firm with a strong focus on immigration law is seeking a meticulous Immigration Paralegal based out of our office in Tempe, Arizona to support our legal team by enhancing attorney effectiveness through case management and quality case preparation. Our paralegals engage in all aspects of case management, including effective client communications, initiative-taking case preparation, and detailed monitoring of court and government deadlines.

A successful paralegal will manage a diverse caseload of family, humanitarian, and employment-based immigration applications, as well as removal defense cases and removal-related appeals. The ideal candidate is an initiative-taking team player with strong organizational skills and the ability to learn and grow in a fast-paced and well-respected law firm.

MAJOR AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

• Manage a substantial caseload from inception to resolution including but not limited to:
• maintaining effective and respectful client communications, as well as communications with court staff and other government agencies, throughout the life of the case;
• proactively collaborating with the attorney at the outset of each case to ensure effective and efficient case progress;
• drafting all required applications and pleadings for attorney review and feedback;
• identifying required evidence and obtaining it from the client;
• drafting detailed client declarations and sworn statements for attorney review and feedback;
• assembling applications and evidentiary packets for submission to the government, after seeking and responding to feedback from the responsible attorney;
• calendaring and monitoring all case-related deadlines, court dates, and government interviews and hearings;
• scheduling attorney/client meetings when necessary or requested by the attorney;
• preparing files for attorneys to attend interviews and court hearings;
• adhering to ethical rules regarding the appropriate role for a paralegal;
• effectively maintain organized electronic and paper files to safeguard client property;
• maintain consistent case notes and hourly timekeeping in the firm’s cloud-based case management system to ensure a record of important client interactions and case-related events;
• staying current on job knowledge by contributing to and engaging in law firm internal learning opportunities and outside educational opportunities;
• proactively seeking new and different assignments and opportunities to add value to the firm through professional development; and
• uphold the firm’s ethical standards, professional conduct, and standard of excellence in all aspects of law firm practice.
  
  

Experience

A minimum of three years of experience working as a paralegal in a fast-paced legal environment, with consistent exposure to immigration law, is required.

Skills And Qualifications

• Language: Proficiency in spoken and written Spanish is required.
• Computer Skills: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook). Legal research, case management software, document maintenance, and preparation. Experience with immigration-related online forms programs is a plus.
• Communication Skills: Good speaking, writing, and people skills are needed to speak with clients and outside parties, draft pleadings and declarations, and work cooperatively with attorneys and other team members.
• Research Skills: Paralegal will need to research aspects of immigration law and practice relevant to their cases to problem-solve and troubleshoot.
• Organizational Skills: Paralegals manage a high volume of diverse cases and must develop effective systems to ensure their professional and ethical obligations are met in each case.
  
  

PROFESSIONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Strong work ethic and commitment to providing high-quality legal services to a diverse clientele.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and oversee sensitive information.
• Excellent people skills, with the ability to interact professionally with clients, attorneys, and government agencies.
• A commitment to prioritizing the team’s success, showing respect for all members, and having the courage to make tough decisions and take responsibility for mistakes.
  
  

A minimum of three years of experience as a paralegal in a fast-paced legal environment with exposure to immigration law is required. Proficiency in Spanish and strong organizational, communication, and research skills are essential.

Work in a nationally recognized law firm with opportunities for professional development and growth in immigration law.