Job description

La Unión del Pueblo Entero, LUPE is a social justice, community-building, membership organization, founded by Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta. The Legal Assistant will have a unique opportunity to join a skilled and innovative team within a rapidly growing, digital-driven organization at the forefront of immigration in the borderlands.

A Legal Assistant provides legal support to our attorney by researching case law, developing case information, gathering evidence, researching various types of relief for the client; tracking cases internally and in the court, and supporting the attorney with removal defense cases. The ideal candidate is highly driven bilingual professional who has experience working in an immigration law firm for at least two years.

LUPE has a sister organization, LUPE Votes, a separate, but related, nonprofit organization that is exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code. Although LUPE and LUPE Votes share a common goal of supporting immigrants and low-income people in Rio Grande Valley, and nationally, they are separate organizations with their own board of directors and a set of employees at the two organizations, including the person filling this position, share their time between the two organizations. This has no effect on salary or benefits.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Prepare applications to be filed with USCIS and the Immigration Court
• Immigration Law Research
• Draft Affidavits and Motions
• Assist attorneys with trial preparation including witness list, exhibits, and filing with the Immigration Court and DHS.
• Keeps cases organized by establishing and organizing files; monitoring calendars; meeting deadlines; documenting actions; inputting information into file database and case management software (Docketwise); confirming case status with attorney.
• Helps develop cases by maintaining contact with people involved in the case; scheduling meetings; preparing and sorting evidence submitted by the client; preparing and filing requests to the government; assisting in preparing responses to government counsel.
• Keeps clients informed by maintaining contact; communicating case progress.
• Supports case preparation by preparing case summaries and materials for upcoming hearings; assist in preparing pleadings and motions; monitoring and obtaining government requests; organizing materials for case review.
• Enhances immigration proceedings by organizing evidence; preparing exhibits; scheduling witnesses; ensuring that witnesses are ready when needed; taking courtroom notes.
• Complete administrative duties such as making copies, answering and directing phone calls and greeting clients.
• Maintain client contact list

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position does not supervise employees.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

· Experience working with Immigration cases

· Familiarity with law, legal procedures and protocols, and the immigration court system.

· Bi-lingual (English, Spanish)

· Strong verbal skills and good people skills

· Willingness to work long and irregular hours

· Indigenous to the community/region

· Must be proficient with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook / Outlook Express, Internet Explorer); familiarity with Docketwise a plus

· Highly organized and detailed oriented

· Handle pressure well and understand the importance of deadlines.

· Know how to relate to people in a variety of situations, be highly trustworthy, discreet, and use good judgment.

· Able to take direction and work independently with little or no supervision

· Reliable vehicle

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Requires at least two years of college or equivalent certification, in addition to (2) years experience working as a legal assistant or legal secretary, and (2) years experience working with low-income community members. Commitment to the mission and ideals of the Farm Workers Movement are essential.

BENEFITS (After 3 months of full-time employment)

· $9,000+ in healthcare insurance (medical & dental) paying for the employee, spouse, and children under 26 years old (eligible after 3 months of employment)

· $8,000.00 death insurance

· 401K Plan

· Mileage reimbursement

· 40 hours paid vacation year one; 80 hours paid vacation years 2-8; 120 hours paid after year 8

· 8 hours Personal Time Off

· 10 Paid Holidays

· Yearly Cesar Chavez Day of Service

· End of the year bonus, as appropriate

· Yearly salary increase, as appropriate

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $15.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

COVID-19 considerations:
All customers are required to wear a mask, surfaces a sanitized daily several times a day, and all employees must have proof of vaccination.

Education:

• Associate (Preferred)

Experience:

• Community: 1 year (Required)
• Immigration legal: 2 years (Required)

Language:

• Spanish (Required)
• English (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Required)

Work Location: One location

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