Minnesota Council of Nonprofits
Job Title: Legal Assistant
Department: Immigration Services
Reports To: Director of Immigration Services
FLSA Status: Exempt, 1.0 FTE
Salary Range: $52,000 - $56,000
Organization Description Founded in 1919, the International Institute of Minnesota (IIMN) offers New Americans quality services that support their journey to stability and success. We are an innovative and responsive organization that is committed to advancing the lives of New Americans. Our service areas include Education Programs, Workforce Training, Immigration Services, and Refugee Resettlement. We are a diverse team of knowledgeable and encouraging advocates, who are dedicated to educating the community and influencing positive outcomes for New Americans. We support thousands of families and individuals each year by providing English classes, helping them secure meaningful employment, supporting them as they purchase their first home, and assisting them in becoming United States Citizens and valued members of the community.
About this Position IIMN is committed to providing accessible, low-cost legal services for immigrants and refugees, particularly in complex and challenging immigration cases. Approximately 70% of IIMN households earn less than 200% of the federal poverty level and look to IIMN for trustworthy and accessible legal services at a nominal fee. To advance this objective, we are expanding our legal team by hiring a Legal Assistant. The Legal Assistant will provide critical administrative, research, and client support to ensure efficient case preparation, accurate filings, and accessible legal services for immigrants and refugees. This role will support the work of the two Immigration Services attorneys, ensuring that individuals facing difficult immigration issues receive high-quality, affordable representation, and support.
Duties and Responsibilities
Support attorneys and accredited representatives with preparation of immigration forms, documents and correspondence for immigration cases.
Conduct factual and legal research related to immigration-related caseload to ensure timely and complete filings.
Manage client intake and eligibility screening for immigration services appointments, provide case updates, and answer procedural questions.
Ensure operational efficiency by tracking deadlines, managing calendars, and handling administrative tasks that increase the program’s capacity to serve more clients effectively.
Process USCIS (immigration) notices and perform accurate data entry into agency CRM database.
Maintain electronic and physical case files, ensuring confidentiality and adherence to data protection standards.
Advocate for culturally and linguistically diverse clients, delivering services in an inclusive and respectful manner.
Provide referrals for immigration legal and social services beyond program scope.
Attend monthly program meetings and all-staff meetings.
Support program outreach and education initiatives, including community information sessions and “Know Your Rights” presentations.
Assist with program growth and innovation, aligning activities with IIMN’s mission and strategic goals.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements
B.A. in a relevant field, equivalent extensive experience in immigration or legal services may be considered in lieu of a degree.
Previous work in immigration law or a related field (humanitarian focused cases preferred).
Proficient in technology and digital tools, including maintaining databases and producing professional documents using Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook), Zoom, texting platforms, and other internet-based applications.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills with cross-cultural communication experience.
Ability to work collaboratively and enthusiastically with program staff as well as interns and volunteers.
Sensitivity to the needs and legal issues affecting people of diverse backgrounds and socioeconomic circumstances.
Ability to stay organized and manage a high-volume workload while working under strict deadlines within a fast-paced environment.
Must be a proactive, self-starter with a solution-oriented mindset and a willingness to take initiative.
Fluent in English, both written and oral.
Preference given to candidates with proficiency in one or more of the following languages: Amharic, Arabic, Karen, Oromo, Somali, or Spanish.
Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed.
Physical Demands
Use of manual dexterity, tactile, visual, and audio acuity.
Physical ability to perform tasks that may require prolonged standing, sitting, and other activities necessary to perform job duties.
Occasional lifting (up to 25 pounds), bending, pulling, and carrying.
EEO Statement International Institute of Minnesota values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBT individuals, New Americans to apply. IIMN is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, or any protected category prohibited by local, state, or federal laws.
To Apply Submit your application at
https://iimn.org/careers . Applicants will be asked to include a cover letter and resume. Candidates are encouraged to apply early. No phone calls or walk-ins please. Position is open until filled. References will be required at the time of the final interview.
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Organization Description Founded in 1919, the International Institute of Minnesota (IIMN) offers New Americans quality services that support their journey to stability and success. We are an innovative and responsive organization that is committed to advancing the lives of New Americans. Our service areas include Education Programs, Workforce Training, Immigration Services, and Refugee Resettlement. We are a diverse team of knowledgeable and encouraging advocates, who are dedicated to educating the community and influencing positive outcomes for New Americans. We support thousands of families and individuals each year by providing English classes, helping them secure meaningful employment, supporting them as they purchase their first home, and assisting them in becoming United States Citizens and valued members of the community.
About this Position IIMN is committed to providing accessible, low-cost legal services for immigrants and refugees, particularly in complex and challenging immigration cases. Approximately 70% of IIMN households earn less than 200% of the federal poverty level and look to IIMN for trustworthy and accessible legal services at a nominal fee. To advance this objective, we are expanding our legal team by hiring a Legal Assistant. The Legal Assistant will provide critical administrative, research, and client support to ensure efficient case preparation, accurate filings, and accessible legal services for immigrants and refugees. This role will support the work of the two Immigration Services attorneys, ensuring that individuals facing difficult immigration issues receive high-quality, affordable representation, and support.
Duties and Responsibilities
Support attorneys and accredited representatives with preparation of immigration forms, documents and correspondence for immigration cases.
Conduct factual and legal research related to immigration-related caseload to ensure timely and complete filings.
Manage client intake and eligibility screening for immigration services appointments, provide case updates, and answer procedural questions.
Ensure operational efficiency by tracking deadlines, managing calendars, and handling administrative tasks that increase the program’s capacity to serve more clients effectively.
Process USCIS (immigration) notices and perform accurate data entry into agency CRM database.
Maintain electronic and physical case files, ensuring confidentiality and adherence to data protection standards.
Advocate for culturally and linguistically diverse clients, delivering services in an inclusive and respectful manner.
Provide referrals for immigration legal and social services beyond program scope.
Attend monthly program meetings and all-staff meetings.
Support program outreach and education initiatives, including community information sessions and “Know Your Rights” presentations.
Assist with program growth and innovation, aligning activities with IIMN’s mission and strategic goals.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements
B.A. in a relevant field, equivalent extensive experience in immigration or legal services may be considered in lieu of a degree.
Previous work in immigration law or a related field (humanitarian focused cases preferred).
Proficient in technology and digital tools, including maintaining databases and producing professional documents using Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook), Zoom, texting platforms, and other internet-based applications.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills with cross-cultural communication experience.
Ability to work collaboratively and enthusiastically with program staff as well as interns and volunteers.
Sensitivity to the needs and legal issues affecting people of diverse backgrounds and socioeconomic circumstances.
Ability to stay organized and manage a high-volume workload while working under strict deadlines within a fast-paced environment.
Must be a proactive, self-starter with a solution-oriented mindset and a willingness to take initiative.
Fluent in English, both written and oral.
Preference given to candidates with proficiency in one or more of the following languages: Amharic, Arabic, Karen, Oromo, Somali, or Spanish.
Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed.
Physical Demands
Use of manual dexterity, tactile, visual, and audio acuity.
Physical ability to perform tasks that may require prolonged standing, sitting, and other activities necessary to perform job duties.
Occasional lifting (up to 25 pounds), bending, pulling, and carrying.
EEO Statement International Institute of Minnesota values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBT individuals, New Americans to apply. IIMN is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, or any protected category prohibited by local, state, or federal laws.
To Apply Submit your application at
https://iimn.org/careers . Applicants will be asked to include a cover letter and resume. Candidates are encouraged to apply early. No phone calls or walk-ins please. Position is open until filled. References will be required at the time of the final interview.
#J-18808-Ljbffr