Legal Assistant, Immigrant Justice

Position Summary

As the Legal Assistant, you’ll report to the Program Director, Immigrant Justice (Direct Services/Asylum) and work with the Immigrant Justice Team, playing a critical role in supporting our Direct Services and Asylum work. The Legal Assistant will be responsible for conducting client intakes, legal research, preparing immigration forms, drafting declarations, maintaining files and data, hearing preparation, and other related duties. The ideal candidate will have prior experience working with immigration attorneys and their clients and possess a strong commitment to advancing the immigrant rights movement. This is an exempt, full-time position.

About LCCRSF

As one of the West Coast’s longest-standing civil rights organizations, LCCRSF stands with historically vulnerable communities, immigrants, and refugees—advancing their rights through litigation, advocacy, and direct legal support. We work alongside legal fellows, 1,000+ pro bono attorneys, and committed volunteers. Learn more at lccrsf.org.

About the Immigrant Justice and Direct Services Team

Since 1983, LCCRSF’s Immigrant Justice and Direct Services Team have secured free legal representation for hundreds of asylum applicants seeking refuge in California by providing direct representation as well as training and mentorship to pro bono attorneys.

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities

Case Preparation and Support (40%): Assist LCCRSF attorneys in preparing asylum applications and other filings with San Francisco Immigration Court, the San Francisco Asylum Office, state courts, and other agencies; communicate and correspond with clients on behalf of attorneys; provide document translation (Spanish/English), as needed.

Data Entry/Reporting and File Management (40%): Maintain and organize LCCRSF’s in-house client electronic and physical files; keep case management system up to date with case notes and current client contact information; track hearing dates and relevant deadlines; and provide support with updating Legal Server, Salesforce, and Law Logix with relevant data.

Work closely with the Program Director of the Direct Services and Asylum Team to complete grant reports and meet other reporting requirements set forth by funders.

Conduct bi-annual check-ins with all in-house clients, particularly in cases that have been pending for years; record updates on Legal Server; update the relevant attorney with new developments; and provide social service referrals as needed.

Client Intake and Legal Clinics (20%): Schedule intake appointments for potential clients; conduct screenings and in-depth interviews with prospective clients; prepare detailed case summaries for cases that are being placed with pro bono attorneys; monitor potential client deadlines; provide referrals where appropriate; screen potential volunteer interpreters for the program and place interpreters with pro bono teams, if necessary.

Work with the Pro Bono Team and in collaboration with the Direct Services and Asylum Program Director to organize pro se clinics for the community.

Other tasks may be assigned as needed by the Program Director, Immigrant Justice (Direct Service/Asylum).

Essential Qualification

• Bachelor’s or undergraduate degree.
• Strong bilingual (English and Spanish) language competency, including the ability to write basic correspondence in Spanish.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail, and ability to multi-task and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft applications, including Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Committed to practicing and supporting well-being in the workplace.
• Ability to travel (locally) as assigned.
• At least 1 year experience working with immigrant communities and/or in immigration law.

Preferred Qualifications

• Partial or Full DOJ Accreditation, or willingness and eligibility to apply.
• Prior experience working with survivors of trauma, strongly preferred.
• Prior experience using client management databases (i.e. Salesforce, Legal Server, Lawlab, or eCerenade) preferred.

Benefits

Competitive benefits package including 100% paid premiums for employee and 80% dependents plus generous paid time off/holidays (total of 6 weeks off/year not including sick time) and 403b employer contribution. LCCRSF is Latina-led, with about 30 staff. We are flexible, family-friendly, and value health, wellness and balance.

While this position offers a primarily remote schedule, working in our San Francisco office will be required as needed. Monthly in‑person staff meetings are mandatory for all employees.

Working Environment and Conditions

The working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. While performing the duties of this position, the employee must be able to remain in a stationary position, constantly operate a computer, and be able to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

To Apply

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Applicants should submit 1) a thoughtful cover letter; 2) a resume; and 3) three professional references. Any questions can be sent to careers@lccrsf.org.