Paralegal – Pro Bono Humanitarian Immigration

Position Summary

The Paralegal – Pro Bono Humanitarian Immigration is a vital member of Davis Polk’s growing team of professionals dedicated to providing pro bono legal services. The Paralegal – Pro Bono will principally work with the firm’s Chief Pro Bono Counsel, the Pro Bono Counsel for Humanitarian Immigration, and the Senior Pro Bono Coordinator and Senior Specialist to provide direct support to the firm’s pro bono humanitarian immigration matters, but may also provide occasional support to the firm’s wide array of other pro bono services. The Paralegal – Pro Bono should be comfortable working with individuals from many different backgrounds and underserved communities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Typical responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Works directly with Pro Bono Counsel for Humanitarian Immigration to support all phases of Pro Bono humanitarian immigration matters from commencement through conclusion.
• Supports the administrative needs of the Pro Bono Humanitarian Immigration docket. Representative tasks include:
  • Monitoring and updating case calendars and case management systems.
  • Assisting with client meetings, interviews, or hearings.
  • Serving as the point of contact for pro bono clients.
  • Managing case correspondence.
  • Drafting and coordinating case-related administrative documents and correspondence.
  • Drafting and coordinating firm presentations, or reports.
  • Managing online resource library.
  • Assisting with coordination and logistics of immigration clinics.
  • Coordinating internal support services including Word Processing, Copy Center, IT, Facilities, and Mailroom support.
  • Coordinating external support services including vendor requirements, interpreters/translators, client needs and logistics.
  • Providing other support to the administrative and organizational needs of the program.
• Under the supervision of Pro Bono Counsel for Humanitarian Immigration, provides support to case teams. Representative tasks may include:
  • Providing team administrative support -- Coordinating meetings, communicating with pro bono clients, updating case tracker, coordinating vendors, formatting documents, preparing documents/forms, managing file database.
  • Providing filing support – Filing preparation, final production, online or in-person submission and logistics.

Qualifications/Position Requirements

• Highly motivated and conscientious with a sharp eye for detail.
• Exceptional organization, time management, and communication skills (both oral and written).
• Ability to maintain flexibility on constantly evolving procedures and issues.
• Careful proofreader.
• Experience with research, ideally experience researching country conditions to support immigration matters.
• Ability to think creatively or problem solve on logistical or technical issues.
• Strong interpersonal skills with attorneys and pro bono clients.
• Ability to thrive in a collegial and collaborative work environment.
• Strong tech skills: proficient in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint (complex editing and formatting); comfortable with mobile apps (WhatsApp and other messaging apps; translation apps, social media apps); ability to quickly learn new tech and new systems.
• Interest in immigration issues and a wide range of pro bono matters.

Education and/or Experience

• Four-year college degree.
• Experience in a legal assistant or paralegal role preferred.
• Community based volunteer work and/or demonstrated commitment to public service.
• Demonstrated commitment to immigration issues preferred.
• Experience and familiarity with immigration forms and procedures preferred.
• Foreign-language fluency preferred, Spanish speaking preferred.

Compensation

The expected base salary for this position ranges from $65,000 - $75,000. Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, anticipated assignment, and, where applicable, licensure or certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered. Davis Polk offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.

A cover letter is required for consideration.

Foreign-language fluency preferred, Spanish speaking preferred.