Summary
Under the direct supervision of the assigned Immigration attorneys and IPG Chair, and according to established policies and procedures, the Immigration Specialist will participate in case review, preparing draft and filing final employment-based nonimmigrant and immigrant petitions, and provide operational support to the Immigration Practice Group (IPG). The Immigration Specialist must be able to successfully multi-task in a deadline-driven environment.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
- Assist and support paralegals with completing processing requirements for various types of non-immigrant and immigrant visa petitions and applications (H, L, TN, O, E, PERM, I-140, AOS, etc.), thereby developing subject matter expertise.
- Assist in analyzing case documents and preparing immigration applications for attorney review and filing with the appropriate government agency.
- Process more straightforward and routine corporate immigration cases, including but not limited to adjustment of status, advance parole, work authorization renewals and Public Access Files.
- Prepare forms, letters, documents, and correspondence for attorney/paralegal review.
- Assist with status inquiries to USCIS or related government agencies. Perform research to obtain information such as background on a company or industry, current wages, processing procedures, standard processing times, consular processes, etc.
- Utilize case management system (currently using LawLogix) and document management system (iManage) to prepare, manage, track, and record all aspects of casework.
- Serve as the back up behind coordinator as the “Go-To” for current case management system utilized by the firm).
- Assist team members in updating Data Management for cases, including I-94 updates, last action taken step on cases, preparation of updated client reports. Responsible for one or more special projects as assigned.
- Basic administrative support tasks including check requests, invoice processing, client intakes, logging immigration mail in case management, etc.
- Other duties as assigned.
The employee must be able to perform all essential job duties and responsibilities of this position satisfactorily and as outlined, with or without reasonable accommodations. Reasonable accommodation requests may be accommodated, absent undue firm hardship.
Knowledge, Skills And Abilities Required
- Bachelor’s degree. A combination of training, education and experience that demonstrates ability to perform higher-end duties of the position may substitute for formal education requirement.
- Experience preparing business visa filings is preferred, but not required.
- Must have a congenial personality, excellent client interaction skills and demonstrated passion for immigration work.
- Must have the ability to manage multiple matters simultaneously and work independently as needed.
- Candidate must be well-organized, detail-oriented, manage time efficiently, work independently as needed, astute at identifying issues and a quick learner in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to prioritize workload, meet strict deadlines and to interact effectively with professionals from diverse cultural backgrounds as well as in-house counsel and H.R. professionals is a must.
- Must be detail-oriented to ensure the highest level of accuracy and be able to multi-task.
This job description is intended to describe the general requirements of this position. As such, it is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of job duties or responsibilities required in this job. Subject to firm needs, duties and responsibilities of this position may change at any time, on a temporary or permanent basis, and with or without notice.
Working Conditions
- Normal office environment with little exposure to excessive noise, dust, temperature, and the like, with the use of a private office as available.
The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions, responsibilities, or requirements.
Barnes & Thornburg currently offers a comprehensive benefit package, including health and life insurance, 401k/Roth and Profit Sharing, and paid time off.
CHICAGO APPLICANT SALARY RANGE: $55,000-$75,000. Salary will be commensurate with experience in this role.
Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity Statement
Barnes & Thornburg is committed to equal employment opportunity in both principle and as a matter of policy. We will recruit, hire, train, promote, compensate and provide benefits to all applicants and employees without regard to ancestry, sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, gender, age, religion, religious creed, mental and/or physical disability, medical condition, military and/or veteran’s status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state and local laws. This policy applies to all recruiting, hiring, promotions, upgrades, layoffs, compensation, benefits, terminations and all other privileges, terms and conditions of employment. The firm complies fully with all federal, state and local equal employment opportunity laws.
