Legal Assistant

LEGAL ASSISTANT- APPELLATE

THE ORGANIZATION

Al Otro Lado is a binational legal services and immigrant rights organization serving immigrants, asylum seekers and deported persons in Southern California, Tijuana, México, and beyond. We approach cases using a multidisciplinary, client-centered, abolitionist, harm reduction-based lens, and engage in zealous individual representation, human rights monitoring and impact litigation to protect the rights of individual immigrants and challenge systemic practices that violate the human rights of immigrant communities. We leverage vital partnerships with community-based organizations and academic institutions, and engage thousands of volunteers to maximize our impact and help build a broad-based immigrant justice movement.

For more information about our organization, please visit us on our website at: alotrolado.org/ or visit us on social media: @alotrolado_org (Instagram and Twitter); Al Otro Lado (Facebook).

THE LEGAL ASSISTANT POSITION

Al Otro Lado seeks a bilingual Spanish-speaking Legal Assistant. The Legal Assistant will work mostly remotely and will work under the supervision of the Managing Attorney for Litigation. The Legal Assistant will primarily provide support in appellate representation for Al Otro Lado’s client population.

This position is a hybrid position based out of our Los Angeles, CA office with in-person duties as needed to serve our client population. These in-person duties may include mailing filings and supporting documents related to appellate cases, and other duties as needed to ensure high quality representation for our clients. This position will require travel to locations as assigned. 

JOB DUTIES 

• Conduct screening for client eligibility for services for internal or external referrals
• Conduct general orientations, individual orientations, and pro se workshops
• Assist noncitizens with gathering required documentation and writing declarations, as needed
• Assist with conducting and reviewing client intakes for immigration relief
• Inform clients on the status of their cases
• Refer clients to other services as needed
• Supporting attorneys and accredited representatives in the representation of individual clients before USCIS, the Immigration Court, and Federal Courts
• Provide administrative support for program(s)
• Maintain the database of client caseload
• Follow organizational protocols for data management and reporting
• Respect organizational confidentiality at all times
• Other duties as needed

REQUIRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS

• Fluency in spoken and written Spanish
• 1–2 years of practical experience in removal defense or related immigration work
• Familiarity with immigration law and processes
• Excellent attention to detail
• Demonstrated commitment to mission and goals of Al Otro Lado
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Commitment to working in a diverse professional environment, with a kind and respectful attitude towards clients, colleagues, and relevant stakeholders
• Strong organizational skills and ability to work independently

All Al Otro Lado staff working directly with clients must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including with recommended boosters, and must follow strict COVID protocol while providing services, including by using a high-quality mask in indoors settings and by testing for COVID if experiencing any symptoms.

Please note, this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. The ideal candidate will be flexible, adaptive, and enthusiastic about responding to needs as they arise.

Compensation and Benefits

This is a full-time, nonexempt position with an hourly range of $28-32 per hour DOE and includes a comprehensive benefits package. Al Otro Lado is piloting a 36-hour work week, with a half-day (4 hours) on Fridays. Payroll adjustments are made, as needed, to ensure that all staff receive the same wages as in a 40-hour work week.

This position may require travel, as needed. Mileage and other travel expense reimbursement will be provided. 

Al Otro Lado’s comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Health benefits: Al Otro Lado contributes up to 99% of employee medical & up to 70% of employee dental and vision premiums. Insurance coverage is effective on the 1st of the month following the employee's date of hire.
• Employer Sponsored Insurances: Employer-sponsored Group Long Term Disability, Short Term Disability and Life/ AD&D coverage.
• Optional Coverages: Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital Insurance
• Paid Time Off: Up to three weeks of accrued paid time off per year.
• Paid Holidays: 11 paid holidays observed, plus 1 week off for Winter Break and 1 week off for Summer Break. 
• Sabbatical Leave: Employees are eligible for paid Sabbatical Leave after 5 years of full-time employment.
• Paid Parental Leave: Supplemental wage integration following the birth of an employee’s child or the placement of a child with an employee in connection with adoption or foster care.
• 403(B): Retirement plan investment opportunities to include Pre-tax or ROTH options
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Employer sponsored plan offering mental health support, legal and financial services

APPLICATION PROCESS

Please submit a letter of interest, writing sample, preferably a redacted client declaration from an immigration case, resume, and three professional references to jobs@alotrolado.org, with “Legal Assistant- Appellate” in the subject line. Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, please. Al Otro Lado values diversity in the workplace and strongly encourages applications from the communities we serve, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, formerly incarcerated individuals, individuals with disabilities, and members of underrepresented communities.

• Health benefits: Al Otro Lado contributes up to 99% of employee medical & up to 70% of employee dental and vision premiums. Insurance coverage is effective on the 1st of the month following the employee's date of hire.
• Employer Sponsored Insurances: Employer-sponsored Group Long Term Disability, Short Term Disability and Life/ AD&D coverage.
• Optional Coverages: Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital Insurance
• Paid Time Off: Up to three weeks of accrued paid time off per year.
• Paid Holidays: 11 paid holidays observed, plus 1 week off for Winter Break and 1 week off for Summer Break. 
• Sabbatical Leave: Employees are eligible for paid Sabbatical Leave after 5 years of full-time employment.
• Paid Parental Leave: Supplemental wage integration following the birth of an employee’s child or the placement of a child with an employee in connection with adoption or foster care.
• 403(B): Retirement plan investment opportunities to include Pre-tax or ROTH options
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Employer sponsored plan offering mental health support, legal and financial services

APPLICATION PROCESS

Please submit a letter of interest, writing sample, preferably a redacted client declaration from an immigration case, resume, and three professional references to jobs@alotrolado.org, with “Legal Assistant- Hybrid” in the subject line. Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, please. Al Otro Lado values diversity in the workplace and strongly encourages applications from the communities we serve, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, formerly incarcerated individuals, individuals with disabilities, and members of underrepresented communities.