Immigrant Defenders Law Center
Paralegal (Immigration Removal Defense)
Immigrant Defenders Law Center, Santa Ana, California, United States, 92725
Join to apply for the
Paralegal (Immigration Removal Defense)
role at
Immigrant Defenders Law Center .
ImmDef is a next‑generation, social justice law firm that provides high‑quality representation and legal services to immigrants in Southern California and beyond. Founded with the belief that no immigrant should face an unjust immigration system alone, ImmDef offers universal representation programs. Learn more at
www.immdef.org .
Brief Description ImmDef is currently seeking full‑time paralegals to join our team of fearless advocates. The position will be based at ImmDef’s Santa Ana office and will involve cutting‑edge immigration litigation for individual clients while supporting a larger mission of a more just immigration system. Paralegals will provide direct support to attorneys on all aspects of our deportation defense representation.
Essential Functions
Assist attorneys with zealous, high‑quality representation to people facing deportation within the universal representation model.
Serve as the point of contact for clients when the attorney is unavailable.
Conduct intake interviews with new clients and gather information for immigration relief screenings.
Collaborate with attorneys on case planning, development, and management.
Complete immigration forms with factual accuracy and attention to detail.
Prepare FOIA and records requests to support removal defense cases.
Interview clients and family members to prepare declarations, letters of support, and other relief documents.
Assist in preparing client application packages for bond, relief from removal, and immigration benefits.
Under attorney supervision, prepare motions, briefs, cover letters, and other substantive court filings.
Submit electronic and in‑court filings.
Maintain accurate digital and paper files per ImmDef protocols.
Enter all client and case development information into the internal case‑management system.
Conduct country‑conditions, legal, and factual research as directed.
Provide translation and communication assistance for clients as needed.
Enter all case data in a timely manner to satisfy contractual obligations.
Complete additional tasks assigned by attorneys or management.
Requirements Required Education and Experience
Paralegal certificate approved by the American Bar Association (ABA), or
Minimum of 24 semester hours in paralegal studies from a state‑accredited school, or
Bachelor’s degree plus at least one year of experience working under an attorney and a minimum of three years in California law.
Experience working at a private immigration, other law practice, or public‑interest law firm is helpful.
Strong writing, research, and organizational skills.
Enthusiasm for working at a mission‑driven organization with a passion for social justice for immigrants.
Commitment to a diverse professional environment.
DACA recipients encouraged to apply.
Preferred Education and Experience
Experience with deportation defense, immigration law, family law, guardianship, or criminal law.
Experience working with children, youth, incarcerated persons, vulnerable populations, or persons with mental competency issues.
Experience with family, dependency, criminal, and probate court.
Experience with Special Immigrant Juvenile Status and asylum cases.
Demonstrated ability to work in a high‑volume, busy law office.
Level of Language Proficiency
Spanish proficiency required and will be tested at interview.
Compensation
Base pay range: $22.86 – $29.71 per hour, depending on experience.
Schedule
Standard work schedule: 35 hours per week (or 70 hours per pay period).
Flexible scheduling options including hybrid and compressed schedules that allow up to one day off per week without using paid time off.
Hybrid work schedule: Expected to be on site at least 4 days per week, with 1 day available to work remotely.
Holidays and Paid Time Off
13 paid holidays.
1‑week paid winter break between Christmas and New Years.
15 vacation days per year.
15 sick days per year.
Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
Coverage begins on the first of the month following 30 days of employment.
100% of premiums for staff dental and vision plans; 75% for dependents.
ImmDef covers 89% of base medical premiums for staff and 69% for dependents.
FSA and Dependent Care FSA
Flexible Spending Account plans to offset eligible health‑care expenses.
Dependent Care FSA to pay for eligible dependent‑care services.
Parental leave: six weeks of paid leave.
401(k) Retirement Savings Plan & Employer Matching
Eligible to enroll immediately upon hire; contributions pre‑tax.
After six months, ImmDef matches 100% of contributions up to 3% of salary.
All contributions vested immediately.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
Full‑time ImmDef staff with qualifying student loans are eligible for federal PSLF.
Parking and Public Transportation Stipends
Parking stipend up to $105 per month for actual accrued parking or transportation costs.
Public transportation stipend up to $100 per month for actual accrued public transportation costs.
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing with Immigrant Defenders Law Center by 2×.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Paralegal (Immigration Removal Defense)
role at
Immigrant Defenders Law Center .
ImmDef is a next‑generation, social justice law firm that provides high‑quality representation and legal services to immigrants in Southern California and beyond. Founded with the belief that no immigrant should face an unjust immigration system alone, ImmDef offers universal representation programs. Learn more at
www.immdef.org .
Brief Description ImmDef is currently seeking full‑time paralegals to join our team of fearless advocates. The position will be based at ImmDef’s Santa Ana office and will involve cutting‑edge immigration litigation for individual clients while supporting a larger mission of a more just immigration system. Paralegals will provide direct support to attorneys on all aspects of our deportation defense representation.
Essential Functions
Assist attorneys with zealous, high‑quality representation to people facing deportation within the universal representation model.
Serve as the point of contact for clients when the attorney is unavailable.
Conduct intake interviews with new clients and gather information for immigration relief screenings.
Collaborate with attorneys on case planning, development, and management.
Complete immigration forms with factual accuracy and attention to detail.
Prepare FOIA and records requests to support removal defense cases.
Interview clients and family members to prepare declarations, letters of support, and other relief documents.
Assist in preparing client application packages for bond, relief from removal, and immigration benefits.
Under attorney supervision, prepare motions, briefs, cover letters, and other substantive court filings.
Submit electronic and in‑court filings.
Maintain accurate digital and paper files per ImmDef protocols.
Enter all client and case development information into the internal case‑management system.
Conduct country‑conditions, legal, and factual research as directed.
Provide translation and communication assistance for clients as needed.
Enter all case data in a timely manner to satisfy contractual obligations.
Complete additional tasks assigned by attorneys or management.
Requirements Required Education and Experience
Paralegal certificate approved by the American Bar Association (ABA), or
Minimum of 24 semester hours in paralegal studies from a state‑accredited school, or
Bachelor’s degree plus at least one year of experience working under an attorney and a minimum of three years in California law.
Experience working at a private immigration, other law practice, or public‑interest law firm is helpful.
Strong writing, research, and organizational skills.
Enthusiasm for working at a mission‑driven organization with a passion for social justice for immigrants.
Commitment to a diverse professional environment.
DACA recipients encouraged to apply.
Preferred Education and Experience
Experience with deportation defense, immigration law, family law, guardianship, or criminal law.
Experience working with children, youth, incarcerated persons, vulnerable populations, or persons with mental competency issues.
Experience with family, dependency, criminal, and probate court.
Experience with Special Immigrant Juvenile Status and asylum cases.
Demonstrated ability to work in a high‑volume, busy law office.
Level of Language Proficiency
Spanish proficiency required and will be tested at interview.
Compensation
Base pay range: $22.86 – $29.71 per hour, depending on experience.
Schedule
Standard work schedule: 35 hours per week (or 70 hours per pay period).
Flexible scheduling options including hybrid and compressed schedules that allow up to one day off per week without using paid time off.
Hybrid work schedule: Expected to be on site at least 4 days per week, with 1 day available to work remotely.
Holidays and Paid Time Off
13 paid holidays.
1‑week paid winter break between Christmas and New Years.
15 vacation days per year.
15 sick days per year.
Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
Coverage begins on the first of the month following 30 days of employment.
100% of premiums for staff dental and vision plans; 75% for dependents.
ImmDef covers 89% of base medical premiums for staff and 69% for dependents.
FSA and Dependent Care FSA
Flexible Spending Account plans to offset eligible health‑care expenses.
Dependent Care FSA to pay for eligible dependent‑care services.
Parental leave: six weeks of paid leave.
401(k) Retirement Savings Plan & Employer Matching
Eligible to enroll immediately upon hire; contributions pre‑tax.
After six months, ImmDef matches 100% of contributions up to 3% of salary.
All contributions vested immediately.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
Full‑time ImmDef staff with qualifying student loans are eligible for federal PSLF.
Parking and Public Transportation Stipends
Parking stipend up to $105 per month for actual accrued parking or transportation costs.
Public transportation stipend up to $100 per month for actual accrued public transportation costs.
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing with Immigrant Defenders Law Center by 2×.
#J-18808-Ljbffr