Immigration Paralegal

Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Atlanta seeks an Immigration Paralegal to assist in the provision of immigration legal services. The need for legal representation for immigration communities in Georgia is critical. Holding over 10% of all immigration detainees in the United States, Georgia is a leader in immigration detention. The Atlanta Immigration Court’s denial rates are also amongst the highest in the country, making deportation defense legal representation even more crucial.

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Responsibilities and Duties: 

• Support the Legal Services Department’s deportation defense caseload, including bond and parole proceedings, asylum, withholding of removal, relief under the Convention Against Torture, U nonimmigrant status, T nonimmigrant status, VAWA, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, cancellation of removal, adjustment of status with applicable waivers, motions to reopen, and appeals;

• Assist attorneys and legal representatives with all phases of representation, including conducting intakes, document collection, research, preparing filings, maintaining case files, client communication, recording information in case management database, and translation and interpretation;

• Facilitate social service referrals to community organizations and other service providers;

• Travel to immigration detention centers in Georgia to meet with detainees (once safe to do so per public health guidelines and organizational policy);

• Perform administrative tasks and general office duties such as appointment scheduling, answering phones, handling mail, scanning, copying, and recordkeeping;

• Participate in community outreach and educational activities, including Know-Your-Rights workshops and citizenship application assistance clinics;

• Assist with public communications related to the Legal Services Department;

• Contribute to grant applications and reports;

• Work closely and collaboratively with other staff at Advancing Justice-Atlanta to support the organization's work.

Requirements: 

• Local to the Atlanta area, with access to reliable transportation. The position will be partially remote due to the COVID-19 pandemic but will require multiple days per week in the Advancing Justice – Atlanta office in Norcross, GA. Precautions are in place to ensure safe access to the office.

• Bachelor’s degree or paralegal certificate;

• A sincere desire to advocate for social change in immigrant communities through legal services and in a community setting;

• Strong computer and other clerical skills;

• Excellent communication, analytical, organizational, and writing skills;

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and respectfully with a diverse client population as well as with community members;

• Flexibility to attend evening and weekend events and meetings, as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience as a paralegal or legal assistant;

• Fluency in Spanish or one Asian language (Korean, Vietnamese, Chinese, Urdu/Hindi, Arabic).

Salary:

The salary range for this position is commensurate with experience and is based on principles of internal equity with a generous benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance.

To Apply:

Send a resume, cover letter, 3 references, and a writing sample to Palmer Lawrence at plawrence@advancingjustice-atlanta.org. No phone calls or inquiry emails, please. The position will remain open until filled.