Paralegal in Immigration

Defender Association of Philadelphia • Full-time • Philadelphia, PA, US • $50k - $52k / year • 5h ago

Make a difference! Become a Defender!

he Defender Association of Philadelphia is seeking a highly organized, professional, and detailed-oriented paralegal for our Community Defense (Immigration Practice) Unit (CDU). The CDU provides direct legal services in immigration law matters by representing clients in immigration court hearings, immigration appeals, and federal filings with USCIS, U.S. Department of State, and federal courts. In addition, the unit provides immigration analysis and advice in Pennsylvania criminal cases involving non-citizen defendants for whom the Defender Association is appointed.

As a core member of the defense team, the Paralegal works under the supervision of the Chief and Assistant Chief of the Unit to provide vital legal, administrative, and social support to detained and non-detained non-citizen clients.

This is position is grant funded until June 30, 2028, unless the Defenders obtains continued funding. While we hope that the funding continues beyond that date, we cannot guarantee employment past that date

What You’ll Do:

Client Support & Service: Provide legal, administrative, and social support to detained and non-detained non-citizen clients.
Intake & Assessment: Conduct consultations, and intake and analyze new cases for program eligibility. Identify potential conflicts of interest and recommend resolutions to the Chief and Assistant Chief of the Unit.
Case Preparation & Assistance: Review evidence and translate documentation, and interpret for client meetings and interviews, as needed. Assist attorneys in preparing affidavits, applications, bond requests, and documents for submission to immigration court and USCIS. Assist attorneys with various aspects of pretrial and trial preparation, as needed.
Research & Filings: Perform legal research, draft motions, and aid in compiling and electronically filing documents, with attorney oversight.
File & Database Management: Maintain case files and client databases, and update files through the appropriate electronic case management systems.
Collaboration & Outreach: Coordinate with partner agencies and community organizations, and perform community outreach, as needed. Work closely with the Chief, Assistant Chief, and the Unit Coordinator to ensure the administrative processes developed for the Unit are effective and efficient.

What You’ll Need

Education: Bachelor or Associate degree with paralegal certification or any equivalent combination of relevant education and professional experience.
Experience: Experience working with indigent clients in immigration and/or criminal justice proceedings preferred. Familiarity with EOIR and USCIS preferred
Language Skills: Fluency in Spanish and/or Portuguese is strongly preferred.
Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Organization & Analysis: Keen sense of organization and attention to detail. Strong analytical skills and ability to problem-solve independently.
Practice Management: Ability to work in a high-volume practice and prioritize assignments effectively, alongside a strong commitment to professionalism in the workplace.
Technical Proficiency: Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or similar computer software. Familiarity with Westlaw and the legal research process. Working knowledge of computer databases preferred but not required. General knowledge of basic administrative and clerical duties, and a willingness to learn new organizational and computer systems.
Travel Requirements: Willingness to go to court, immigration detention facilities, and the Philadelphia jails if necessary.

Benefits & Perks

Comprehensive Benefits: Affordable medical care options plus employer paid vision, dental, life and long- term disability insurances
Generous Time Off: 25 days of paid time off (PTO) annually, in addition to all federal holidays
Wellness Initiatives: Dedicated, separate sick leave policy alongside organizational programming to support your physical and mental health
Family Support: 10 weeks of paid parental leave
Retirement: Generous retirement savings plan withEmployer Match
Commuter Benefits: Free Septa All Access Key card
Union Membership: This role is represented by AFSCME, District Council 47, Local 47
PSLF: We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer
Culture: Meaningful, mission-driven work within a supportive, learning-focused, and collaborative environment.

To apply

Please apply online with resume and cover letter detailing your interest and relevant experience. Salary starts at $50,000.

Who is the Defender Association?

The Defender Association of Philadelphia is more than just a law firm. We’re the community’s lawyers. The Defender team – more than 500 attorneys, social workers, investigators, administrators, and other staff – make sure that everyone, regardless of income, has access to high-quality defense when facing criminal charges. Our mission-driven, client-centered model focuses on outcomes that support a system that is fundamentally fair and creates safer, stronger communities. Follow us @PhilllyDefenders (Twitter, Instagram & TikTok) and on LinkedIn.

The Defender Association provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, The Defender Association complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.