Immigration Legal Researcher and Client Relationship

SMS Law Firm • Part-time • Remote (United States) • $15 - $20 / hour • 3m ago

Immigration Client Communications & Legal Memo Contractor (Remote)

Position Type: Independent Contractor
Location: Remote (U.S. immigration law firm)
Hours: Flexible; must provide reliable availability during agreed business hours
Compensation: Hourly or per-case (based on experience)

About the Role

We are seeking an organized Independent Contractor to support our immigration law practice with client communications and attorney support drafting. This role is ideal for someone with immigration law experience, who can communicate clearly, stay calm under pressure, and produce well-researched answers.

This is a non-attorney support role. The contractor must understand the boundary between procedural/client-support communication and legal advice, and must escalate legal issues appropriately.

This role is suitable for law students and paralegals with strong research, writing, and communication skills.

Core Responsibilities

Respond to client messages (email, chat, portal, text as applicable) in a timely, professional, and empathetic manner.
Communicate immigration case updates, document requests, process timelines, and next steps without providing legal advice.
Draft legal research memos using clear structure, strong analysis, and proper legal citations.
Summarize facts, identify issues, and present well-reasoned options for attorney review.
Manage inbound/outbound communications
Triage and prioritize inquiries; determine what should be handled as routine support versus escalated to an attorney.
Escalate urgent, sensitive, or legally substantive matters promptly and accurately.
Maintain accurate notes, communication logs, and case status updates in firm systems.
Protect client confidentiality and follow all firm protocols for data security and privacy.

Required Qualifications

Strong Legal research and writing skills
Excellent written English and client communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to draft legal memos for attorney review with citations and clear legal writing.
Strong issue-spotting and judgment regarding escalation to attorney review.
Ability to manage multiple conversations and deadlines with consistent accuracy.
Attention to detail, discretion, and professionalism.
Reliable internet, quiet remote workspace, and comfort with case management and communication tools.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience at a law firm and with writing multiple legal memos for attorney review.
Chinese Bilingual or multilingual communication skills.
Familiarity with common USCIS/EOIR process touchpoints and procedural timelines.

Important Role Boundaries

This role does not provide legal advice or establish attorney-client legal strategy.
Legal conclusions, strategy, and final legal determinations are reserved for licensed attorneys.
Contractor must follow escalation protocols for any matter requiring attorney judgment.

What Success Looks Like

Clients receive clear, compassionate, and prompt procedural communication.
Attorneys receive concise, citation-supported memos that reduce review time.
Communications are well-triaged, with legal-risk issues escalated appropriately.
Work product is accurate, organized, and deadline-driven.

Job Types: Part-time, Contract

Pay: $15.00 - $20.00 per hour

Expected hours: 5 – 20 per week

Work Location: Remote