Bilingual Legal Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) was founded in 1933 with the mission to help people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster. The organization operates in over 40 countries and has 28 offices across the United States. The IRC is dedicated to providing a continuum of services including intensive case management, employment and economic empowerment services, immigration assistance, health and wellness programming, and education support to refugee and immigrant families, particularly in Texas. The IRC Dallas office is committed to delivering trauma-informed, equitable, and accessible services while fostering a diverse, inclusive, and supportive workplace.

Job Overview:
The IRC Dallas is seeking a bilingual Legal Assistant to join a newly established legal services program aimed at providing legal representation to unaccompanied children who are either in custody or have been released from the custody of the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The Legal Assistant will play a crucial role in supporting the Children’s Legal Services team by conducting intakes to identify immigration relief options such as asylum, special immigrant juvenile status, or other forms of humanitarian relief. This position requires the Legal Assistant to assist in preparing and filing immigration applications and petitions, ensuring that the needs of unaccompanied children are met with sensitivity and professionalism. The ideal candidate will possess excellent interpersonal skills, be highly organized, and demonstrate a keen attention to detail, with the ability to work both collaboratively within a team and independently on various assignments.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Legal Assistant will be responsible for coordinating case referrals and facilitating initial client meetings with attorneys, setting up new case files (both electronic and physical), and inputting data into relevant case management systems to ensure accurate and timely tracking of cases. They will assist in conducting intakes or follow-up meetings with unaccompanied child clients, gathering supporting documents, and preparing translations. The role includes conducting visits with clients at ORR shelters, LTFC facilities, URM facilities, or Administrative Placement facilities in the Dallas-Fort Worth area to facilitate legal case preparation. The Legal Assistant will assist in preparing filings for State Court, Immigration Court, Asylum Office, and USCIS, as well as preparing affidavits, legal correspondence, and other supporting documents for the Staff Attorney, Managing Attorney, and other legal staff to advance the client’s legal immigration case. They will also provide interpretation for clients at USCIS interviews or State Court as needed, travel to State Court or Immigration Court within the Dallas-Fort Worth area for filings or case preparation, and coordinate with other IRC program staff to provide wrap-around services. Additionally, the Legal Assistant will communicate with clients to provide case status updates, request documents, schedule appointments, and manage other communications as necessary. They will also be responsible for translating documents from Spanish to English, tracking deadlines for the Children’s Legal Services team, preparing monthly reports, processing daily mail, assisting with monthly data reporting submissions, and preparing monthly invoicing documentation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an undergraduate degree or equivalent work experience in the legal field. Fluency in both Spanish and English is required. While experience in a legal setting is highly desirable, it is not mandatory. Experience working with children is also highly desirable but not required. The ideal candidate should demonstrate excellent attention to detail, the ability to multi-task, and comfort working in a fast-paced environment. They should have a demonstrated ability to work independently, solve problems, and exercise sound judgment. Evidence of capacity to be a strong team member in a highly collaborative social service environment is essential, along with a deep commitment to working with immigrants, children, and asylum seekers. Trauma-informed and sensitive listening and communication skills are crucial, as is personal integrity in handling ethically complex and confidential situations. A commitment to anti-racism and ongoing learning, as well as strong computer literacy, research, and analysis skills, are also required. The candidate must have the ability and willingness to travel frequently in and around the service area to attend hearings and interviews and engage with clients and community partners.

Educational Background:
The position requires an undergraduate degree or equivalent work experience in the legal field. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate possesses the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively assist in legal matters pertaining to immigration and the rights of unaccompanied children.

Experience:
While experience in a legal setting is highly desirable, it is not a strict requirement for this position. However, any relevant experience, particularly in working with children or in social services, will be considered an asset. The candidate should demonstrate a capacity for independent work and problem-solving, as well as the ability to thrive in a collaborative environment.

Languages:
Fluency in both Spanish and English is mandatory for this position. The ability to communicate effectively in both languages is crucial for assisting clients and ensuring that their legal needs are met. Additional language skills may be considered a plus but are not required.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in a standard office environment with occasional participation in community outreach and legal assistance events. Hybrid and flexible work options are available, and the role may require occasional weekend and/or evening work. The compensation for this position ranges from $25.20 to $25.96 per hour, with variations based on factors such as the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget. The IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all applicants based on merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. The IRC offers a comprehensive benefits package, including sick days, paid time off, medical and dental insurance, a retirement savings plan, and an Employee Assistance Program.