The American Bar Association (ABA) was founded on a commitment to advance the rule of law in the United States and beyond by providing practical resources for legal professionals, conducting law school accreditation, developing model ethics codes and more. Today, the ABA remains a member-based organization that works to ensure access to justice for all, a fair legal process, and respect for the rule of law at home and across the globe.

The ABA is committed to service and refining the standards that guide the legal profession. ABA staff are provided multiple types of continuing education and career development opportunities. Your work will help eliminate bias, enhance diversity, and advance the rule of law throughout the US and around the world.

The ABA recognizes the value staff contribute to our success through a generous benefits package that protects their health and their financial security. The ABA's wide array of benefit offerings include 401(k), medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, health spending accounts, supplemental life and disability insurance, prepaid legal programs, and a complimentary membership to the American Bar Association, which offers additional benefits.

Flexible/hybrid work arrangements may be available for residents of CA, DC, IL, IN, IA, MD, MI, MN, TX, VA, and WI. Residency requirements may apply. ABA employees are eligible to apply for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).

Job Summary

• Serves as a mentor and trains paralegals, legal assistants, and other legal support staff. Provides substantive case and court support to attorneys and accredited representatives. Provide substantive assistance with division's Legal Defense Program work including the provision screening potential clients for detained immigrants in removal proceedings. Prepares legal filings and documents (e.g., client affidavits, pleadings, motions, etc.) as directed.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities

• Provide substantive assistance with the Legal Defense Program (LDP), under the supervision of an attorney or accredited representative, conducting intakes and screenings for detained adults and children in removal proceedings.
• Provides paralegal support and assistance to assigned legal staff. Prepares legal filings and documents (e.g., immigration applications, correspondence, translations, etc.) as directed.
• Assesses the urgency of situations and determines appropriate actions, monitors status of pending tasks, and provides updates and feedback to appropriate legal team members.
• Assists with training and mentoring of other legal support staff.
• Prepares applications for relief, translations, and supporting documentation. Assesses the urgency of situations, prioritizes tasks, and tracks and adheres to deadlines.
• May oversee client case files as directed by staff attorneys and Accredited Representatives. Monitors case activities and processes and maintains the data integrity of case management systems. Ensures confidentiality and control of client information.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Required Education, Qualifications, Experience

• Associate's degree from an accredited college.
• Two or more years of experience as a paralegal, legal assistant, or legal secretary.
• Fluent in English and Spanish in written and spoken forms.
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office products and Google tools.
• Ability to communicate professionally with clients, clients' supporters, government attorneys, court staff, and stakeholders.
• Have reliable transportation to travel to off-site work locations.
• Must be insurable and have an acceptable driving record.

Preferred Education, Qualifications, Experience

• Bachelor's degree (B.A.) from an accredited college in paralegal studies, criminal justice, political science or related field.
• One year experience as a paralegal.
• Current certificate of completion of an ABA-approved paralegal program.
• Prior work experience with immigrants, asylum seekers, refugees.
• Prior volunteer, community, or work experience regarding immigration.
• Prior non-profit experience, particularly involving immigration detention.

Physical Requirements

• Typical office setting with potential visits to immigration detention facilities and immigration court. Continuously operates a computer and other office machinery, such as telephone, copy machine, and computer printer.

Extent of Travel Required in the Job

• This job will require regular travel to the San Diego Immigration Court in downtown San Diego.

• ABA IJP, 2727 Camino Del Rio, San Diego, California, United States of America