Interpreter/Translator - Detention & Removal Defense

Legal Services of New Jersey (LSNJ) is an Edison-based non-profit law firm that provides free civil legal assistance to low-income New Jerseyans. LSNJ seeks candidates that are interested in making a difference in our client’s lives. Our staff is diverse, including a wide variety of backgrounds, bringing varied perspectives, work experiences, life styles and cultures. Whether you’ve been in private practice or public interest, join us and help build a more just legal system for New Jersey’s most vulnerable populations.

LSNJ is seeking skilled Interpreter/Translators to provide accurate, complete and confidential bilingual oral and written interpretation and translation support for our legal staff and clients. The interpreter position will, in part, involve accompanying LSNJ legal staff into ICE detention centers and immigration courts and interpreting for them and their respective clients. We are also looking for someone with strong Spanish writing skills to translate legal education materials for the community and/or strong English writing skills to translate documents from Spanish speaking countries (medical records, birth certificates, custody agreements, etc.).

In this dynamic role, the ideal candidates will possess exceptional verbal and written communication and translation skills in both English and Spanish and a degree in translation or graduate course work in written Spanish. While Spanish language proficiency is highly preferred, LSNJ encourages candidates with skills in other languages to apply.

While not required, the strongest candidates will be experienced in proofreading Spanish texts, have familiarity with CAT tools, knowledge of desktop publishing and comprehensive understanding of Spanish legal terminology and familiarity with legal procedures in the United States and in other Spanish speaking countries.

LSNJ offers a positive workplace among colleagues who enjoy and are passionate about their work. We encourage a supportive, collaborative and team work environment. At LSNJ, offering a comprehensive and competitive benefits package is one way we recognize our staff’s contribution to the firm and the lives of our clients. Full-time and part-time employees who are regularly scheduled to work 25 hours or more per week are eligible for LSNJ’s competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous 403(b) monthly employer contribution, paid time off, and in-house trainings that offer CLE credit (for licensed staff).

Compensation: 2026 salary scale for this position starts at $70,000, commensurate with skill, knowledge and experience; hybrid work option after completion of 90-day assessment period.

Qualified candidates should submit the following to be considered:

• Cover Letter describing the reasons for your interest in the position
• Resume
• Two (2) recent legal writing sample

Send all required components to jobs@lsnj.org.

LSNJ is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment opportunities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristics or activity protected by law. LSNJ will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship.

Spanish is highly preferred but other languages are welcome.