Immigration Paralegal
FLSA Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Division: Legal Programs
Department: Immigration Practice
Reports to: Director, Immigration Practice
Salary: $65,000 - $75,000
Schedule: Hybrid — Minimum of two days per week in the New York City office (Wednesdays and Thursdays), with additional in-office days required based on client, case, court, clinic, and other practice needs.
ABOUT HER JUSTICE
Her Justice is a nonprofit organization that advocates for and with women and gender diverse people living in poverty in New York City. We recruit and mentor volunteer lawyers to provide free legal help in the areas of immigration, family, and matrimonial law to address individual and systemic legal barriers.
100% of our clients are living in poverty in the five boroughs of New York City. In FY2025, 93% of our clients were women of color, 87% were survivors of intimate partner violence, 70% were mothers, and 50% spoke a primary language other than English.
Since 1993, we’ve provided life-changing free legal help to over 45,000 women and children and we’ve pursued policies that have bettered the experiences and outcomes for hundreds of thousands more. Her Justice is committed to creating a more fair and functional civil justice system for New Yorkers, so they can build safer, freer futures for themselves, their families, and their communities.
SUMMARY
The Immigration Paralegal is an integral member of Her Justice's Immigration Practice and supports the delivery of high-quality immigration legal services to survivors of intimate partner and gender-based violence.
Working under the supervision of the Director of the Immigration Practice, and with all of the immigration attorneys, the Immigration Paralegal supports client intake and screening, case preparation and follow-up, immigration filings, referrals, clinics, and other case-related and administrative activities. The Immigration Paralegal also helps maintain accurate case information and deadlines and supports the work of interns, volunteers, and other individuals in the Immigration Practice.
The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, client-centered, and able to manage multiple priorities in a collaborative legal services environment. This role requires strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work sensitively and effectively with survivors of trauma.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Client Intake & Support
Conduct immigration intake interviews with prospective clients, under attorney supervision, in person and by telephone or video, and assist with screening prospective clients for potential immigration relief.
Communicate with clients regarding case-related information, documentation, appointments, deadlines, and next steps under the direction of supervising attorneys.
Immigration Case Support
Assist attorneys with the preparation and compilation of immigration applications, petitions, and supporting documentation, including matters involving U Visas, T visas, VAWA Self-Petitions, employment authorization, adjustment of status, and other forms of immigration relief handled by the Immigration Practice.
Assist with client follow-up and obtaining documentation, records, certifications, and other materials necessary to advance immigration matters.
Support requests for U Visa certifications, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) records, FBI records and fingerprints, and other limited-scope services.
Case Management & Data Integrity
Accurately enter and maintain client, case, service, and outcome information in Her Justice's case management software, Salesforce and other applicable systems.
Clinics, Referrals & Pro Bono Support
Prepare cases and materials for immigration clinics and assist with clinic coordination, scheduling, client communication, and follow-up.
Assist with recruiting, onboarding, training, coordinating, and supporting immigration interns and volunteers.
Team & Practice Support
Collaborate with attorneys, paralegals, administrative staff, volunteers, and other Her Justice teams to support effective and coordinated client services or representation.
SKILLSET AND QUALITIES
Client-Centered & Trauma-Informed
You approach clients with empathy, patience, respect, and cultural humility. You understand that many Her Justice clients have experienced trauma and are navigating complex legal and personal circumstances, and you communicate in ways that support dignity, autonomy, and trust.
Highly Organized & Detail-Oriented
You can manage multiple cases, deadlines, documents, and competing priorities while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail. You understand the importance of complete records and timely follow-through in a legal services environment.
Strong Communicator
You communicate clearly, professionally, and respectfully with clients, colleagues, volunteers, and external partners. You are comfortable communicating complex processes in accessible language and know when questions or concerns should be escalated to an attorney.
Collaborative Team Member
You work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team and understand that strong client service depends on coordination and communication. You are willing to support colleagues, share information, and contribute to team priorities.
Accountable & Self-Directed
You take ownership of assigned responsibilities, follow through on commitments, and are comfortable managing routine work independently while seeking guidance when needed. You can adapt as priorities change and exercise sound judgment about when to escalate an issue.
Commitment to Her Justice's Mission
You demonstrate a commitment to social justice and an interest in addressing the legal and systemic barriers affecting immigrant survivors, women, and gender-diverse people living in poverty.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree, paralegal certificate, two-year legal studies degree, or equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience.
Strong organizational, project-managementproject management, and time-management skills, with demonstrated attention to detail.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience supporting U Visa, VAWA Self-Petition, adjustment of status, employment authorization, or other humanitarian immigration matters, as either an experienced Immigration Paralegal or an Accredited Representative.
Work Environment
Because this is a client-facing role, the Immigration Paralegal should expect to work in the office more than two days per week when needed to support clients and the work of the Immigration Practice. Additional in-office presence may be required for client meetings, case preparation, clinics, court or other legal proceedings, team needs, and other practice-related responsibilities.
The role requires regular interaction with clients, attorneys, volunteers, and colleagues through in-person, telephone, and virtual communication.
The position involves managing confidential and sensitive client and legal information and requires adherence to Her Justice's confidentiality, data-security, and professional-responsibility requirements.
