Legal Assistant

About the role

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is seeking a bilingual Legal Assistant to join a new legal services program. This position will provide legal representation to unaccompanied children in the Dallas-Fort Worth area through the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR).

Responsibilities

• Coordinate case referrals and facilitate initial client meetings with attorneys
• Set up new case files (both electronic and physical files)
• Input data in relevant case management systems to ensure accurate and timely tracking of cases
• Aid in conducting intakes or follow-up meetings with unaccompanied child clients, gathering supporting documents, and preparing translations
• Conduct visits with clients at the ORR shelter, LTFC facility, URM facilities, or Administrative Placement facilities in the Dallas-Fort Worth area to facilitate legal case preparation
• Aid in preparing filings for State Court, Immigration Court, Asylum Office, and USCIS
• Prepare affidavits, legal correspondence, and other supporting documents for the Staff Attorney, Managing Attorney, and other legal staff to advance the client’s legal immigration case
• Provide interpretation for clients at USCIS interviews or State Court, as needed
• Travel to State Court or Immigration Court within the Dallas-Fort Worth area as needed for filings or case preparation
• Coordinate with other IRC program staff to provide wrap-around services, where appropriate, and prepare referral packages for children who move out of local jurisdiction
• Support development of partnerships that have potential to bring valuable supports to clients
• Communicate with clients to provide case status updates as directed by the attorney, request documents and other information, schedule appointments, and manage other communication as needed
• Translate documents from Spanish to English
• Track deadlines for the Children’s Legal Services team and prepare monthly reports
• Process and record daily mail; assist with monthly data reporting submissions; prepare monthly invoicing documentation; track deadlines for the Children’s Legal Services team; and prepare monthly reports as needed
• And other duties as assigned to support the Children's Legal Services program

Requirements

• An undergraduate degree or equivalent work experience in the legal field
• Fluency in both Spanish and English required
• Experience in a legal setting highly desirable, but not required
• Experience working with children highly desirable, but not required
• Excellent attention to detail, ability to multi-task, and comfort working in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, solve problems and exercise sound judgement
• Evidence of capacity to be a strong team member in a highly collaborative social service environment
• Deep commitment to working with immigrants, children, asylum seekers
• Trauma-informed and sensitive listening and communication skills
• Personal integrity in handling ethically complex and confidential situations
• Commitment to anti-racism and ongoing learning
• Strong computer literacy, research, and analysis skills
• Ability and willingness to travel frequently in and around the service area to attend hearings and interviews and engage with clients and community partners

Job Requirements

• Undergraduate degree or equivalent work experience in the legal field
• Fluency in both Spanish and English required
• Experience in a legal setting highly desirable, but not required
• Experience working with children highly desirable, but not required
• Excellent attention to detail, ability to multi-task, and comfort working in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, solve problems and exercise sound judgement
• Evidence of capacity to be a strong team member in a highly collaborative social service environment
• Deep commitment to working with immigrants, children, asylum seekers
• Trauma-informed and sensitive listening and communication skills
• Personal integrity in handling ethically complex and confidential situations
• Commitment to anti-racism and ongoing learning
• Strong computer literacy, research, and analysis skills
• Ability and willingness to travel frequently in and around the service area to attend hearings and interviews and engage with clients and community partners