Legal Assistant - Federal Litigation Program

Title:                                   Federal Litigation Program Legal Assistant

Report to:                        Managing Attorney

Pay:                                     Starts at $48,000 plus full GHIRP benefits,

                                              Full-time, Non-exempt position

Office Hours:                 Monday through Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm

GHIRP is an immigration legal services organization with 501(c)(3) status that launched in October 2020, with a mission to build a resilient, diverse community be providing comprehensive representation and holistic legal services to immigrants in need. GHIRP is seeking a full-time, legal assistant to support our Federal Litigation Program in representing immigrants in federal court to protect due process rights through targeted and strategic advocacy. 

We are seeking a highly motivated individual interested in joining our Federal Litigation Program. The ideal applicant will have a strong commitment to public interest law and to the empowerment of the immigrant community.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Collaborate with senior and managing attorney in developing resources for unrepresented immigrants detained in the Houston area ICE detention facilities. 
• Assist in the preparation of pleadings, including table of contents and table of authorities, motions, responses, and correspondence.
• Assist in the discovery phase of litigation. Process discovery requests directed to clients and prepare interrogatories, discovery requests and subpoena, responses to discovery, and discovery-related motions.
• Assist with drafting legal letters, FOIA and Public Information Act requests, and other correspondence, as appropriate, and managing responses.
• Prepare documents for filing in court, assist with finalizing motions, cite-checking, proof reading, and using PACER.
• Prepare and process summons.
• Maintain open communication and collaboration with GHIRP’s legal programs to proactively identify issues and build strategic advocacy in response to those issues.
• Maintain contact with clients and/or family members. Respond to inquiries from current clients. Follow up on case outcomes.
• Communicate effectively with clients, staff, non-profit organizations, advocacy groups, private law firms, or outside agencies to resolve legal related issues.
• Provide administrative support, including scheduling meetings, monitoring case deadlines, and answering incoming phone calls.
• Maintain and organize case files, maintain case list, keep case tracking system up to date, generate case statistics for reporting and compliance purposes.
• Participate in regular peer and supervisor review meetings and trainings.
• Perform all other duties, activities, and responsibilities, as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience
• One to two years work experience in legal services (particularly paralegal experience in federal litigation) strongly preferred
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Fluency in Spanish strongly preferred
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office, including proficiency in Excel.
• Familiarity with CM/ECF and/or PACER is preferred
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage time and resources.
• Strong organizational skills, ability to manage caseload, strict deadlines, and other tasks simultaneously.
• Commitment to serving immigrants and sensitivity to the needs of low-income culturally diverse clients.
• Texas Driver License; clean driving record; own vehicle; applicable auto insurance.

GHIRP has outstanding benefits including medical and dental insurance, retirement, life insurance, long-term disability leave, and paid time off.

How to Apply: Position is open until filled. Applicants should send their Cover Letter and Resume to Rebecca Chavez at RebeccaC@ghirp.org