Bilingual (Spanish/English) Immigration Paralegal

Important note: we require both a resume and a cover letter explaining your interest in this position to consider your application.

About the Role

The Erie County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project (VLP) is seeking a full-time Bilingual (Spanish-English) immigration paralegal for our Batavia, NY office. This role supports work under the Office of New Americans (ONA) State contract at the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility. Paralegals collaborate with VLP attorneys, social workers, and other paralegals to represent detained clients in a public defender model program, ensuring representation for all detained individuals facing deportation who are not otherwise represented.

This position is based in Batavia, NY, with the ability to work a hybrid remote/in-office schedule after successfully completing a 3-month introductory period. The office culture values work/life balance, with reasonable working hours and a discouragement of weekend work.

Responsibilities

• Perform client intakes and filings, as directed, at the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility.
• Assist attorneys with country conditions research, translations, preparing motions, compiling hearing evidence, and gathering bond evidence.
• Maintain client files.
• Provide general office support, including data entry, filing, photocopying, phones, and mail.
• Local travel to and from the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility is required, as well as occasional trips to the Buffalo office. A valid driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle are required.

Requirements

• Fluency in Spanish and English.
• Ability to collect and manage data.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with VLP staff, volunteer attorneys, student interns, and court staff.
• Excellent verbal and written skills in Spanish and English.
• Ability to multitask, be proactive, and flexible in a high-volume, fast-paced office environment.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to track work carefully for grant and contract reporting requirements.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Outlook) and familiarity with case management systems such as LegalServer.
• Knowledge of basic office technology, including mailing, faxing, scanning, and copying.
• Sincere ability and desire to work with low-income immigrants and their families.
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn immigration law and procedure.

Preferred Qualifications

• Paralegal degree or certificate.
• Prior immigration law experience and/or prior experience as a paralegal.

Pay

Salary range starting at $52,150.00 – $55,753.00 per year, based on years of relevant work experience.

Benefits

• Employer-paid benefits, including:
  • 90% paid health insurance premiums.
  • Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) account.
  • Long-term disability insurance.
  • Life/AD&D insurance.
  • Pension contributions.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Additional benefits available through pre-tax employee contributions:
  • Dental insurance.
  • Vision insurance.
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
  • Dependent Care FSA.
  • Transportation account.
  • 403b retirement plan.
• Eligibility for public service loan forgiveness.
• Paid time off:
  • 18 paid holidays, including the time between December 24 and January 1.
  • 11 vacation days and 2 personal days in year 1.
  • 15 vacation days and 4 personal days in year 2 (vacation caps at 23 days starting in year 6).
  • 10 sick days each year.
  • 2 additional flexible days off in the summer (prorated in year 1).
• Flexible schedules, 35 hours per week.
• Ability to work remotely up to 2 days per week after the successful completion of the 3-month introductory period.
• Discourages weekend work and encourages utilizing PTO.

Schedule

• 35 hours per week.
• Hybrid remote/in-office schedule available after a 3-month introductory period (up to 2 remote days per week).