Job Description
Overview
The International Institute of New England has a well-respected immigration legal services practice that offers high quality legal representation at low or no cost to vulnerable populations . We are searching for an experienced, energetic and committed Paralegal to join the team. The Paralegal will join a small team of individuals that provide high quality, immigration legal assistance to immigrants and refugees. IINE offers legal representation for Family/Humanitarian Immigration, Citizenship, and limited Business Immigration matters. This Paralegal role will be based out of IINE’s Manchester, NH office and is temporary, ending 09/30/2026 with the possibility of extension.
This role requires the incumbent to maintain their own caseload- including screening clients for possible legal representation, document gathering, preparing case files for attorney review, and assisting with preparing filings for USCIS. The role also involves accompanying administrative work as well as support to other members of the legal team. IINE is currently considering experienced paralegals for this role with the possibility of partial accreditation from the U.S. Department of Justice being pursued in the future.
Responsibilities
Client Services
Perform client intake/consultation, gathering sufficient facts and information to assess eligibility for immigration relief.
Provide support to attorneys on client matters to include, refugee AOS, asylee AOS, EADs, naturalization, and other cases as assigned.
Support attorneys in gathering documentation/information from clients and drafting forms for a variety of immigration matters.
Assist attorneys with client preparation for USCIS interviews and attend interviews on an as- needed basis.
Provide quality legal support services at IINE sites and remotely; traveling between offices as needed for clinics or USCIS civil surgeon days.
Monitor and maintain an organized caseload.
Maintain proper client files (physical and digital) as well as abide by all data reporting requirements in place for funding received each year.
Conduct legal research as necessary.
Work closely with IINE programmatic staff and partner community-based organizations to ensure that clients receive holistic service addressing their many needs beyond legal representation.
Remain current in best practices in immigration legal services, participating in continuing legal education (CLEs) programs as appropriate and as needed to continually pursue/renew partial DOJ accreditation.
Maintain and update immigration database with detailed client case notes and changes to contact information for every client interaction.
Achieve weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual forms completion and fee generation goals.
All other duties assigned by supervisor/manager.
Administrative
Responsible for updating case management systems with case notes, maintaining client files (physical and digital), and engaging in reconciliation activities with the finance department as needed.
Assuring cases are closed out properly and timely and stored according to NH Rules for professional conduct.
Understand and operate the legal payment system to take cash, credit card, check and money order payments from low bono clients.
Assist with corporate invoicing and client follow-up as needed.
Pull relevant data as needed for reporting or work closely with the Senior Director to collect and provide information and data. This may also include funding-specific reporting/data duties.
Participate in legal provider and community partner meetings as well as IINE staff meetings.
Identify processes and procedures that can help the immigration legal services teamwork more efficiently and effectively.
Assist with timely processing and distribution of legal mail, as needed, when Administrative Assistant is out of office or work from home. This includes, scanning, saving to SharePoint, case notes, and distribution to assigned attorney or DOJ Rep.
Required Education & Experience
A bachelor’s degree and at least two (2) years’ experience in immigration law assisting clients with a range of immigration relief. Professional and/or volunteer experience working directly with marginalized populations will be count towards the experience requirement.
Partial DOJ Accreditation or the ability to meet the requirements and apply for Partial DOJ Accreditation within 6 months strongly preferred.
Required Skills/Abilities
Knowledge of immigration policies and regulations.
Excellent organizational and time management skills – demonstrated ability to meet deadlines.
Ability to act independently and in a team setting.
Willingness to learn as much as possible about legal immigration work and to contribute to the smooth operation of the immigration legal program at IINE.
A strong sense of professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality.
Effective communicator; should be comfortable working as part of a team and expressing innovative or critical ideas
Cooperative, friendly, and helpful attitude with clients and co-workers.
Proficiency in a Windows/PC environment including highly proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook and the ability to quickly become proficient in the use of IINE's immigration law software and database.
Strong writing skills.
Demonstrated ability to serve clients in a professional, welcoming, and efficient manner.
Bilingual candidates strongly preferred.
Work Environment Conditions
Frequent interruptions from employees and clients- must have ability to multi-task.
Exposure to bright, overhead office lighting, use of office technology such as laptops, printers, mail machines, and other in-office equipment.
Frequent trips to mail room and/or Post Office required.
Physical Demands
Occasional lifting, pushing, and pulling materials (boxes, equipment) of at least 50 pounds.
Continuous sitting (or standing) at a desk for long periods of time.
Occasional driving to IINE’s three offices in Boston, Lowell, and Manchester as well as USCIS Field Offices in Boston, Lawrence, and Manchester.
Job Tags
Temporary work, Work at office, Remote work, Work from home,