Legal Assistant (Immigration Law) -Honolulu

REPORTS TO: Immigration Staff Attorney

HOURS:  Full-time, Mon-Fri; occasional evening and weekend events throughout the year

SALARY: $45,000 - $50,000 a year (higher for those with prior U.S. Department of Justice Accreditation status)

ORGANIZATIONAL DESCRIPTION: The Legal Clinic (TLC), a Honolulu, Hawaiʻi-based nonprofit organization, is seeking candidates for a legal assistant. Position to begin immediately. TLC’s mission is to ensure justice for low-income immigrants and migrants in Hawaiʻi through high-quality immigration legal services, education, and advocacy. TLC was incorporated as an independent, secular 501(c)3 nonprofit in 2019, and is the Hawaiʻi affiliate of a national immigrant justice network. Please visit www.tlchawaii.org for more information.

RESPONSIBILITIES: The legal assistant is responsible for providing support to the legal team, including the Senior Staff Attorney and/or Managing Attorney. The legal assistant also performs reception and administrative duties. Much of the following can be learned through on-the-job experience.  

I. Legal Services Support

  • Assist legal team staff in preparing immigration forms, pleadings, motions and briefs, and cover letters; and in assembling petitions and appeals packets.

  • Under the general supervision of an attorney or accredited DOJ representative, the legal assistant will communicate with the client and necessary witnesses and agencies for fact-finding, gathering of documents and information pertinent to the case.   

  • Under the general supervision of an attorney or accredited DOJ representative, the legal assistant will conduct general and legal research relating to case and/or application.

  • Coordinate and secure interpretation and/or translation services for client matters and appointments.

  • Assist with the preparation for United States Citizenship and lmmigration Services (USCIS) interviews, appointments and trial. 

  • Occasional attendance at interviews and hearings.

  • Assist with client communication and document client interactions and case progress updates in the client case management system.

  • Copying, scanning, process incoming and outgoing mail; organizing and maintaining case files (physical and electronic).

II. Administrative Support 

  • Provide reception duties on all platforms, including but not limited to web requests, phone, email and in-person. This position requires in-person attendance at the downtown Honolulu office from 9 am to 5 pm.

  • Conducting client pre-screening, intake, and scheduling.

  • Support attorneys and other members of the legal team with meeting preparation, calendaring, notetaking, and follow-up action steps.

  • Assist in maintaining internal procedures and SOP’s for TLC legal services.

  • Assist in coordinating, preparing for, and overseeing TLC intern & volunteer projects and events.

III. Special Projects  

  • Assist other staff with and/or represent TLC at community and benefit events.  This may occasionally require working outside of regular business hours and weekends.

  • Track and support implementation and administration of a language access plan for the organization.

  • Compile data and help draft reports for funders and other organizations.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

•       Proficient/fluent in both English and Spanish.

•       Good written communication skills in English and Spanish.

•       Associate's or Bachelor's degree, or higher, preferred.

•       Previous administrative assistant or legal assistant experience preferred.

•       Must be detail-oriented and possess superb organizational skills.

•       Ability to work sensitively with colleagues and clients having diverse personalities, lifestyles, cultures, faiths, and backgrounds.

•       Ability to maintain client confidentiality and communicate with professionalism and courtesy.

•       Ability to take initiative, multi-task, meet deadlines, and work well under pressure.

•       Knowledge of Microsoft Office software such as Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, and PowerPoint. Ability to learn legal case management software and other databases/CRM

•       Demonstrated interest in supporting immigrant and migrant rights.

•       Familiarity with communities in Hawai'i and/or immigrant communities is desired but not required.

Compensation & Benefits:  Full-time salary range of $45,000-$50,000 annually, DOE. Candidates with prior U.S. Department of Justice Accreditation status could be compensated at a higher rate. A generous benefits package includes health/vision/dental insurance, 401k benefit with employer contribution after a period of service, unlimited paid time off, parking, and professional development opportunities. Occasional work-from-home time negotiable after initial training period.

To Apply: Please email your resume and cover letter to jobs@tlchawaii.org. Position open until filled.

The Legal Clinic is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin or ancestry, age, ethnicity, physical or mental  disability, genetic information, or veteran status.