Paralegal -Esperanza Immigrant Rights Project

Esperanza Immigrant Rights Project, a program of Catholic Charities of Los Angeles, Inc., is a non-profit law firm which provides community education and legal representation to immigrant adults, families, unaccompanied minors, individuals with mental health issues, and in cases involving crimmigration. Esperanza has proudly provided legal services to immigrants and their families in Southern California for over 15 years. More information is available at www.esperanza-la.org.

Esperanza seeks a full-time Paralegal to work in our Representation Program, assisting detained and non-detained immigrants in removal proceedings.

Responsibilities:

• The Paralegal will provide substantive legal and administrative support and assistance to attorneys engaged in direct representation.
• The Paralegal will be responsible for preparing applications with clients and gathering and organizing supporting documents for submission to US Citizenship and Immigration Services, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Executive Office for Immigration Review, the Board of Immigration Appeals, and state courts as needed.
• Additionally, the Paralegal will interview potential clients to assist attorneys in determining eligibility for immigration legal rights and benefits.
• The Paralegal will work with clients and their families to gather documents needed for representation and directs individuals whom Esperanza attorneys cannot assist to resources that could assist them.
• The Paralegal will provide support to attorneys in creating and properly maintaining client files and field phone calls from potential clients and their families.
• Other duties as needed.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or at least 5 years of related experience.
• Proficiency in oral and written Spanish required.
• Passion for social justice for immigrants and vulnerable communities
• Paralegal certificate or relevant paralegal-type coursework highly desirable.
• Experience working in a legal office, especially with immigration and/or criminal law preferred.
• Experience working with vulnerable client populations, such as with children, families, or clients with mental health issues preferred.

• Medical, Dental & Vision
• Life Insurance
• Retirement Plan to include 401a/employer contribution only and 403(b)
• Supplemental Insurance (life, Accident, disability insurance, etc.)
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Care Spending Account Reimbursement accounts (HAS)
• Vacation days – 12 days per year
• Sick time – 10 days per year
• 13 holidays per year for regular f/t & p/t employees
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness
• Cell Phones for those working in Shelters or with Clients outside of the office
• Employee Recognition - Annual Staff Appreciation Day Event
• Free Parking

Bilingual in English & Spanish