PURPOSE STATEMENT
The Senior Paralegal provides high quality legal assistance and operational support to advance Ayuda’s immigration services. This position primarily supports the Virginia Managing Attorney through direct client services, case preparation, and practice management, ensuring the effective delivery of comprehensive, client-centered representation. In addition, the role supports Ayuda’s Pro Bono Program by assisting with clinic coordination, case placements, and related administrative tasks. Through this allocation of responsibilities, the Senior Paralegal helps strengthen both direct representation and pro bono legal services to expand access to justice for Ayuda’s clients.
ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE
Ayuda is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing direct legal, social and language access services, education, and outreach to low-income immigrants in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Since 1973, Ayuda has provided critical services on a wide range of issues, in the process acquiring nationally recognized expertise in several fields including immigration law, language access, domestic violence and human trafficking. Ayuda has office locations in Washington, DC, Silver Spring, MD and Fairfax, VA.
WHY DO YOU WANT THIS JOB?
Because, just like everyone at Ayuda, you believe:
- In seeing communities where all immigrants succeed and thrive in the United States.
- In the overall success of our organization and all our programs.
- That families should be healthy and safe from harm.
- That all people should have access to professional, honest, and ethical services, regardless of ability to pay or status in this country.
- That diversity and equality make this country better.
WHAT WILL THIS JOB ENTAIL?
Support Virginia Immigration Program
- Support the Virginia Managing Attorney’s caseload by providing case management assistance, communicating with clients, preparing and organizing filings, tracking deadlines, and maintaining accurate and up to date data in the case management platform.
- Pull and compile data for periodic audits conducted by the Managing Attorney to support review of the legal team’s case database and ensure case notes, deadlines and alerts are timely, accurate, and maintained in accordance with internal practices.
- Opportunity to provide mentorship and professional guidance to less experienced paralegals and/or intake specialists, supporting their development and effective integration into the team, as capacity allows, and in consultation with the Managing Attorney.
- Assist with case-related data collection and provide support for Virginia program reporting needs as directed.
Support Pro Bono Program
- Attend coalition meetings and events as Ayuda’s representative as needed.
- Assist Ayuda’s Pro Bono Program in planning and implementing virtual and in-person legal clinics, including preparing and organizing case files and coordinating clinic logistics.
- Maintain accurate and timely Legal Server records and ensure adherence to program protocols and case management standards for matters that are placed for pro bono representation.
- Assist with secondary client screenings and prepare comprehensive case placement packets for pro bono matters, including coordinating conflict checks and ensuring required documentation is complete.
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU CAN DO THIS JOB?
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be legally able to work in the United States and maintain proper work authorization throughout employment.
- Must be able to meet the physical requirements of the position presented in a general office environment.
- This position will be based primarily in our Virginia office but will require occasional visits to the D.C. office.
This position is hybrid and will include both in-person and remote workdays.
Qualifications:
The following qualifications are the qualities, experiences, and skills we seek in a candidate.
Candidates who do not feel that they meet every single qualification, but who still believe they would be the right fit for this role, are encouraged to consider applying! We are eager to meet people that believe in our mission and can contribute to our team in a variety of ways -- not just candidates who check all the boxes.
Education/Experience:
- Have at least 3+ years of relevant experience working as a legal assistant or paralegal at an immigration legalservices provider or other immigration practice.
- Experience serving low-income immigrants in legal areas relevant to Ayuda’s practice.
- Experience assisting attorneys with a significant immigration caseload including a mixture of affirmative cases and a removal defense docket.
- Experience working with, or knowledge of pro bono programs.
- Experience working with?children, survivors of gender-based?trauma, and/or survivors of trafficking.
Language Skills:
- Fluency in written and spoken English is required.
- Bilingualism in written and spoken Spanish is required; bilingualism in other languages will be considered.
Required Knowledge and Skills:
- Demonstrated sensitivity to and knowledge of issues involved in working with diverse populations, including survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking.
- Demonstrated knowledge and ability to provide short-term, brief services, such as those delivered in a clinic setting.
- Detail oriented and able to meet deadlines.
- Strong understanding of common forms of immigration relief, including but not limited to civil protection orders, family-based petitions, U Visas, work permit renewals, advance parole applications, and similar forms of relief as applicable (and depending upon program).
- Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse multidisciplinary team.
- Strong writing and editing skills.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office with the interest and ability to learn other software programs.
