Overview
A public defender agency in Massachusetts is seeking a paralegal to join the Immigration Impact Unit as part of the Massachusetts Access to Counsel Initiative (MACI). This role involves supporting staff attorneys and supervising attorneys in the direct representation of individuals in removal proceedings.
The initiative provides full-scope immigration representation to detained and non-detained individuals in removal proceedings, bond hearings, and related immigration matters before the Immigration Court, Board of Immigration Appeals, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and, when appropriate, Federal Court.
Note: This position is contingent on grant funding from the Governor’s Office for Immigrant and Refugees. Funding is guaranteed only for the duration of the grant period, with potential but not guaranteed additional funding.
Responsibilities
- Prepare and review immigration forms with clients
- Collect and organize supporting documents from clients and their families
- Draft affidavits with clients, friends, and family for immigration proceedings
- Assist with client communication and correspondence; attend client visits in detention centers
- Gather, organize, and analyze information and legal documents for attorney review and case preparation
- Conduct legal and country conditions research as requested by attorneys
- Monitor case progress
- Assist in data collection for grant reporting purposes
- Perform other duties as assigned
Requirements
Minimum Entrance Requirements
- Bachelor's degree or Paralegal certificate
- Access to reliable transportation for travel to locations not easily accessible by public transit
- Access to home internet sufficient for remote work
Substitution: Two years of paralegal experience may substitute for the degree or certificate requirement.
Qualifications and Skills
- Commitment to working with culturally diverse, low-income populations
- Knowledge of and/or experience in immigration law preferred
- Experience interviewing clients and evaluating relevant information
- Ability to take initiative and work effectively under pressure
- Detail-oriented with ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines
- Strong organizational skills, including prioritizing caseloads, calendars, and assignments
- Effective interpersonal and communication skills to maintain productive working relationships
- Ability to maintain confidentiality, integrity, and respect in all duties
- Proficiency in languages other than English is preferred
Compensation & Benefits
Details regarding compensation and benefits were not provided.
Location
The position is based in Massachusetts, with some travel required to detention centers and other locations as needed.