Legal Assistant - Hawaiʻi Island (Spanish-speaking)

Hours: Full-time (100% FTE); M-F business hours with occasional evening or weekend work. Starting between Dec 2026 and Feb 2027. 
Location: Hawai’i Island, Kona side (mostly in person).

About The Legal Clinic (TLC):

Our mission is to ensure justice for low-income immigrants and migrants in Hawaiʻi through high-quality immigration legal services, education, and advocacy. TLC is a Honolulu-based independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Please visit www.tlchawaii.org for more information.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The legal assistant is responsible for providing support to the staff attorneys and other members of TLCʻs legal team and performs reception and administrative duties.  

I. Legal Services Support

  • Under the general supervision of an attorney, the legal assistant will assist with client communications (in English and Spanish), document client interactions, and case progress updates in the case management system. 

  • Assist attorney and other legal team staff in preparing immigration forms and assemble cover letters, petitions, and appeals packets. Training provided. With more experience, possible assistance with drafting pleadings, motions, and briefs.

  • Conduct general research and assist with fact-finding and gathering documents and other information pertinent to client matters.

  • Coordinate and secure language interpretation and/or translation services as needed.  

  • Assist with the preparation for United States Citizenship and lmmigration Services (USCIS) interviews, appointments, and hearings and trials before the Immigration Court.   

  • Occasional attendance to Immigration Court hearings in Honolulu (travel paid for by TLC).

  • Copy, scan, process incoming and outgoing mail; organize and maintain 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 work at least 4 days a week, in a Kona office 9 am to 5 pm.

  • Help manage the office, supply ordering, equipment, and other administrative duties.

  • Financial/bookkeeping and technical support will be provided through the Honolulu office. However, the legal assistant will help scan/upload receipts, enlist local vendors when needed/approved, and ensure that invoices are paid on time, etc.

  • Conduct client pre-screening 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 standard operating procedures for TLC legal services. 

  • Other administrative tasks as needed.

III. Special Projects

  • Assist other staff (including Oahu-based) with and/or represent TLC at community and benefit events.   

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

  • Provide support for intern & volunteer activities. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Proficient/fluent verbally in English and Spanish. 

  • Strong written communication skills in English and Spanish. 

  • Associate or bachelor’s degree, or higher, preferred. 

  • Previous administrative assistant or legal assistant experience preferred. 

  • Must live in Hawai’i currently or have prior lived experience in Hawai’i. 

  • 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. 

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

TLC is committed to staff wellness and a healthy work-life balance. Salary range:$45,000–$52,000 FTE, commensurate with experience. A robust benefits package includes health/vision/dental insurance, 401k benefit with employer contribution (after 90-day period), unlimited paid time off, flex scheduling, parking subsidy, personal cell/internet allowance, educational & wellness benefit, and professional development opportunities. Partial work-from-home time negotiable.

To Apply: Please email your resume & 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, national origin, ethnic background, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, or disability.