Job Title: Immigration Paralegal (Multiple Practice Areas)
Location: Ames, Iowa (On-Site)
Position Type: Full-Time
About the Firm:
We are a well-established, full-service immigration law firm with a long-standing reputation for excellence in client service and legal advocacy. Our practice spans the full spectrum of immigration law, including family-based, employment-based, humanitarian, and removal defense matters. We pride ourselves on a collaborative team environment, professional development, and a commitment to delivering high-quality legal services to a diverse client base.
Position Overview:
We are expanding our team and seeking four (4) Immigration Paralegals to support attorneys in the following practice areas:
- Consular Processing & Waivers
- Domestic Processing (Adjustment of Status & Naturalization)
- Employment-Based Immigration
- Asylum & Removal Defense (including State Court Guardianships)
These roles are ideal for organized, detail-oriented professionals who are passionate about immigration law and eager to contribute to a fast-paced, client-focused environment. Each paralegal will work closely with attorneys and clients within their designated practice area while collaborating across teams as needed.
Key Responsibilities (All Roles):
- Prepare, review, and file a wide range of immigration applications and petitions with USCIS, EOIR, Department of State, and other relevant agencies
- Draft legal documents including forms, support letters, affidavits, and correspondence
- Maintain and organize case files, ensuring accuracy and completeness
- Track case progress, deadlines, and filing requirements
- Communicate with clients regarding case status, document requests, and procedural updates
- Assist attorneys with case strategy, preparation, and follow-up
- Ensure compliance with evolving immigration laws, policies, and procedures
Practice Area Responsibilities:
Consular Processing & Waivers:
- Prepare immigrant visa applications and coordinate consular processing cases
- Assist with inadmissibility waivers (e.g., I-601, I-601A), including drafting hardship support documentation
- Communicate with clients abroad and coordinate document collection for consular interviews
Domestic Processing (Adjustment of Status & Naturalization):
- Prepare family-based petitions and adjustment of status applications (I-130, I-485)
- Assist with naturalization applications (N-400) and related filings
- Support clients through biometrics, interviews, and RFEs
- Provide Spanish language translation for interviews
Employment-Based Immigration:
- Prepare and file nonimmigrant and immigrant visa petitions (e.g., H-1B, L-1, PERM, I-140)
- Coordinate with employers and HR representatives
- Track visa availability, deadlines, and compliance requirements
Asylum & Removal Defense (including State Court Guardianships):
- Assist with asylum applications (I-589), withholding of removal, and CAT claims
- Draft detailed client declarations and supporting affidavits using trauma-informed interviewing techniques
- Prepare filings for Immigration Court (EOIR), including motions, briefs, and exhibit packets
- Conduct country conditions research and compile supporting documentation
- Assist in Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) cases, including coordination of state court guardianship proceedings
- Draft and prepare state court filings for guardianship, custody, and predicate orders
- Coordinate with state courts, clients, and external stakeholders regarding hearings and documentation
- Support attorneys in both immigration court and state court preparation
Who Will Thrive in These Roles:
- Consular Processing & Waivers: Individuals who are detail-oriented, patient, and strong writers, with the ability to build persuasive, well-documented cases and manage long, complex timelines.
- Domestic Processing (Adjustment of Status & Naturalization): Professionals who excel in high-volume, process-driven environments, are highly organized, and enjoy frequent client interaction and case management.
- Employment-Based Immigration: Candidates who are analytical, precise, and comfortable working with corporate clients, regulatory frameworks, and complex procedural requirements.
- Asylum & Removal Defense: Individuals who are empathetic, resilient, and adaptable, with strong writing and listening skills, and the ability to manage emotionally complex cases alongside fast-paced litigation.
Qualifications:
- Minimum 1–3 years of immigration law experience : practice-area experience strongly preferred for each role
- Experience with removal defense, asylum, and/or SIJS-related state court work strongly preferred for the Asylum & Removal role
- Strong knowledge of immigration forms, procedures, and agencies relevant to assigned practice area
- Excellent writing, organizational, and communication skills
- Ability to manage multiple cases and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
- Proficiency with case management systems and Microsoft Office Suite
- Bilingual skills (especially Spanish or other high-demand languages) are a plus
What We Offer:
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience
- Comprehensive benefits package (health, dental, vision, PTO, etc.)
- Opportunities for professional growth and development
- Supportive, team-oriented work environment
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
