Paralegal, Detention Project

Job overview

The Paralegal, Detention Project role is onsite in Chicago, IL, with an annual salary of $46,000–$53,326. The National Immigrant Justice Center advances human rights and due process for immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers through legal services, litigation, advocacy, and public education. The paralegal supports detained clients and the project’s attorneys by conducting intake, screening cases, researching immigration claims, and preparing case materials. This work helps the team assess eligibility for relief and move legal matters forward.

What you'll do

• Interview detained non-citizens and family members
• present intake interviews for legal assessment
• conduct legal and country-conditions research with assigned attorneys
• staff the weekly phone intake hotline and monitor voicemails as needed outside intake hours
• respond to mail, faxes, and referrals
• prepare case acceptance packets, closing letters, filings, affidavits, indexes, and supporting documents
• organize and scan closed files
• assist with pre-hearing statements
• attend trainings and review legal materials.

What we're looking for

Skills & competencies

paralegal

detention project

immigration law

legal research

case support

spanish proficiency

client intake

full-time

chicago il

national immigrant justice center

$46,000–$53,326 per year

Work arrangement

• Weekend coverage required

Why this role

Requires spoken and written Spanish proficiency and a bachelor's degree with demonstrated experience working with immigrants, refugees, or asylum seekers. At least one year of related experience is preferred. DOJ accreditation may be pursued if appropriate.

About the employer

National Immigrant Justice Center is hiring for this role. Industry: All Other Legal Services. Sector: 54.