Paralegal & Intake Associate

Organization Overview

UnLocal, Inc. is a community-centered non-profit organization that provides direct immigration legal representation and community education to New York City’s immigrant communities. Our Legal team uses a comprehensive approach to advocacy, combining consultations, representation, training, and outreach to support impacted community members.

Summary

UnLocal, Inc. seeks a Paralegal and Intake Associate to join our Legal team. This hybrid role combines intake and administrative responsibilities with direct legal support with existing clients in removal proceedings or seeking affirmative relief. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, bilingual in Spanish, and committed to immigrant rights and community-centered service. This is a full-time, non-exempt, salaried position, reporting to a Supervising Attorney. The role requires in-person work at least three days per week, with flexibility to work up to five days in person when needed. In-person attendance is also required at least two Fridays per month to support team operations.

Primary Responsibilities

Intake & Client Support

• Greet clients and community members, conduct intake interviews, and assist with scheduling appointments.
• Manage and route hotline calls and emails to appropriate legal staff.
• Maintain organized records of client interactions and intake documentation.
• Respond to general inquiries from clients and partners with professionalism and care.
• Maintain, review and improve current intake procedures.

Legal & Program Support

• Provide direct legal services under attorney supervision, including pre-screenings, consultations, and application assistance.
• Assist in organizing and supporting virtual and on-site legal clinics with community-based partners.
• Assist with data entry in the legal case management system and internal/external reporting (e.g., foundations, city/state funders, board).
• Possible accompaniment to USCIS interviews and immigration court.
• Other work as necessary.

Qualifications Required:

• Fluency in Spanish (French is a plus)
• At least 1 year of experience in immigration law or legal services
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to multitask, manage time efficiently, and adapt in a fast-paced environment
• Detail-oriented and highly organized
• Proficiency with computers and case management systems
• Deep commitment to social justice and immigrant rights
• Cultural sensitivity and experience working with diverse communities

Preferred:

• Experience with legal training or community workshops
• Prior work with undocumented, LGBTQIA+, youth, or survivors of violence
• Familiarity with New York City’s immigrant-serving networks

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $60,000–$70,000, depending on experience
• Full premium coverage for health, dental, and vision insurance
• Commuter benefits and access to a 401(k)
• 40 days of paid time off annually (PTO for any purpose)
• Office closure between Christmas and New Year’s (not deducted from PTO)
• Yearly wellness and professional development stipends
• Eligible for a 4-week sabbatical after 3 years of employment

To Apply:

If you are passionate about making a difference and possess the required skills, please submit your resume and cover letter to Adrian Espana at Adrian@unlocal.org. We look forward to welcoming a dedicated Paralegal to add to our team.

This position primarily involves sedentary work, including extended periods of sitting, use of a computer, and communication via phone and video conferencing. Travel will be required for funder outreach or partner meetings. Position frequently moves items of up to 10 pounds across the office or into off-site locations. Occasional weekend availability is required. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

As an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer, UnLocal, Inc. prohibits discriminatory employment actions against and treatment of its employees and applicants for employment based on actual or perceived race or color, size (including bone structure, body size, height, shape, and weight), religion or creed, alienage or citizenship status, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity (one’s internal deeply-held sense of one’s gender which may be the same or different from one’s sex assigned at birth); gender expression (the representation of gender as expressed through, for example, one’s name, choice of pronouns, clothing, haircut, behavior, voice, or body characteristics; gender expression may not conform to traditional gender-based stereotypes assigned to specific gender identities), disability, marital status, relationship and family structure (including domestic partnerships, polyamorous families and individuals, chosen family, platonic co-parents, and multigenerational families), genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristics, military status, domestic violence victim status, arrest or pre-employment conviction record, credit history, unemployment status, caregiver status, salary history, or any other characteristic protected by law.

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

UnLocal, Inc. is committed to a work culture of zealous advocacy, respect, diversity and inclusion, client-oriented defense, access to justice and excellent representation. We are dedicated to building a strong professional relationship with each of our clients (people), to understanding their diverse circumstances, and to meeting their needs. Our ability to achieve these goals depends on the efforts of all of us and our ability to build strong relationships with our colleagues. Every member of our community is expected to continuously learn about the dynamic, evolving, and emerging field of knowledge of identity, bias, and systemic forms of oppression and participate in productive efforts to dismantling bias in all forms.