Paralegal, Immigrants' Rights Project

ABOUT THE JOB

The ACLU seeks applicants for the full-time position of Paralegal in the Legal Department of the ACLU’s National office in New York. This is a hybrid role that has in-office requirements of two (2) days per week or eight (8) days per month. 

The Immigrants’ Rights Project is a national project of the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation with offices in New York and California. Using targeted impact litigation, advocacy and public outreach, the Project carries on the ACLU’s historic commitment to protecting the civil rights and civil liberties of immigrants. In state and federal trial and appellate courts, including the Supreme Court, the Project conducts the nation’s largest impact litigation program dedicated to defending and expanding the rights of immigrants, enforcing the guarantees of the Constitution, and achieving equal justice under the law. It works with the English and non-English language media, immigrant advocacy organizations, and ACLU affiliates around the country to empower immigrant communities through presentations about their rights and about current and proposed immigration laws.

WHAT YOU'LL DO 

Reporting to the Deputy Director or Project Director, the Paralegal will be responsible for providing litigation and administrative support to the Immigrants' Rights Project. This includes, but is not limited to, preparing litigation documents for filing, responding to legal assistance inquires, and maintaining files and records.

YOUR DAY TO DAY

• Produce and file pleadings in federal courts (from district court through Supreme Court level), and occasionally state courts around the United States
• Manage and coordinate databases, case files, correspondence files, etc.
• Handle general administrative duties including processing invoices, tracking expenses and case costs, preparing expense reports, assisting with travel arrangements, and ordering supplies
• Research and analyze court rules, relevant litigation, and factual issues where appropriate
• Serve as liaison with co-counsel and clients
• Respond to intake calls, emails and letters from individuals seeking assistance
• Occasionally, draft materials for dissemination to the public or IRP supporters
• Engage in special projects and other duties as assigned by IRP leadership and attorneys

FUTURE ACLU'ERS WILL 

• Be committed to advancing the mission of the ACLU
• Center and embed the principles of equity, inclusion and belonging in their work by demonstrating commitment to diversity with an approach that respects and values multiple perspectives
• Be committed to work collaboratively and respectfully toward resolving obstacles and conflicts

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

• Demonstrated administrative support experience in similar/related role preferred
• Self-motivated and highly organized with a focus on detail, effective time management, and strong interpersonal communication.
• Excellent research, writing, and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently as well as within a team while maintaining a high level of efficiency and professionalism
• Project management experience preferred
• Fluency in Spanish and other relevant foreign languages (written and spoken) is strongly preferred, but not required

COMPENSATION