Legal Assistant

The Agency:

Americans for Immigrant Justice (AI Justice), an award-winning not-for-profit legal services organization founded in 1996 to protect and promote the basic human rights of immigrants, has a multicultural and a multilingual staff. AI Justice has represented clients from around the world and is recognized as a powerful advocate and national leader for immigrants' rights. AI Justice works closely with traditional civil rights groups as well as grassroots organizations and local, state and national government officials to affect positive change in immigration policies.

The Legal Assistant is a key member of the legal team at Americans for Immigrant Justice, providing direct support to attorneys, accredited representative, and paralegals in the delivery of legal services to low-income, underserved, and vulnerable clients. This position ensures the legal team functions efficiently by assisting with case preparation, client communication, legal file management, and other essential tasks related to the efficient provision of client services. Key responsibilities include:

• Client File and Case Preparation
  • Assemble, organize, and maintain legal files and supporting documentation required for case filings with USCIS, EOIR, or other administrative bodies.
  • Prepare application packets, evidence binders, and legal forms under the supervision of legal staff.
• Client Communication and Support
  • Communicate with clients by phone, email, text, or in person to collect documentation, schedule appointments, provide case updates, or relay attorney instructions.
  • Confirm receipt of time-sensitive materials needed for case deadlines
• Mail and Document Processing (Related to Casework)
  • Process and distribute incoming legal correspondence (e.g., notices from USCIS, EOIR, or courts) to appropriate legal staff to ensure timely response.
  • Prepare and mail client case filings and legal submissions with attention to deadlines and compliance requirements.
• Court and Case-Related Support
  • Prepare case files and packets for attorney use at hearings, interviews, or court appearances.
  • Track filing receipts, hearing notices, and delivery confirmations relevant to pending matters.
• Reception and Intake Support (Legal-Focused)
  • Serve as backup to reception in a legal services context: screening calls for legal eligibility, logging client visits related to casework, and routing potential clients to legal intake staff.
• Data and Case Management Systems
  • Enter and update case notes, deadlines, and document logs in the case management system (e.g., Legal Services Management Program “LSMP” or equivalent).
• Legal Team Support and Resource Management
  • Ensure that attorneys and accredited representatives have the physical resources and supplies necessary for all client services and legal encounters, including application preparation, in-person meetings, workshops, and court or agency representation.
  • Monitor and restock legal forms, office supplies, and client-facing materials to maintain uninterrupted legal service delivery.
• Support for Legal Team Functions
  • Prepare materials and logistics for legal team meetings, client workshops, or Know Your Rights presentations.
  • Translate or interpret (if qualified) for legal consultations or document review.
• Additional Legal Service Support
  • Perform any other duties deemed reasonable and necessary by attorneys or management that directly support the provision of legal services to clients and advance the mission of Americans for Immigrant Justice.

Qualifications:

• Experience in public interest law, particularly immigration law, preferred.
• Ability to work collaboratively with multiple attorneys and staff members.
• Directly impacted people and those with personal experience in the U.S. immigration system are highly encouraged to apply.
• The ideal candidate for this position will be friendly, empathetic, and responsible.
• Ability to work independently and under pressure.
• Ability to handle a high-volume caseload, with multiple deadlines and other tasks simultaneously.
• Comfortable working in a collaborative, fast-paced environment that values giving and receiving feedback.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office 365 required. Knowledge of client database systems preferred.
• Strong tech skills and excellent attention to detail.
• Motivation and strong organizational skills.
• An eye for creating and improving systems that support efficiency.
• Comfort with change, problem solving and taking on new challenges.
• Ability to multi-task and meet competing deadlines while maintaining attention to detail.
• Experience working with immigrants preferred.
• Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Written and verbal fluency in English required.
• Spanish and/or Haitian Creole fluency required. Speakers of Mayan languages strongly encouraged to apply.
• Must have own transportation.
• Must be willing to submit to an extensive background check, including FBI, statewide repository, and sex offender registry checks.

Education: Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Location: Candidate must be based in South Florida. Position will be an in-office designation in accordance with AI Justice Job Classification Policy.

Salary & Benefits:

• Salary commensurate with experience. Salary ranges from $46,224 - $62,424, depending on experience.
• AI Justice offers a comprehensive benefits package, including excellent health, vision, dental, and life insurance coverage; 15 paid days of vacation leave; 13 paid holidays; 10 paid health days; 1 personal day. After one year of employment, staff are entitled to paid parental leave and up to 3% matching employer contribution to 403(b) retirement plan. Vacation and health leave increases after two- and five-year anniversaries. Paid sabbatical available at five years.

How to apply:

Please submit cover letter, resume, and 3 references to careers@aijustice.org, with subject line "LEGAL ASSISTANT"

Interviews: Top candidates will be invited to interview and submit references.