Legal Assistant Paralegal

Pay Range: $24.03 - $28.84 per hour based on experience, education and interview

The International Institute of Buffalo's mission is to make Western New York a better place for, and because of, immigrants and refugees. We're looking for an experienced paralegal to join our legal team. Foreign trained attorneys are welcome to apply.

JOB TITLE: Paralegal – Immigration Law

WORKING HOURS: Full-Time / Mon-Fri / Day Shift / On-Site

• Paid holidays
• Generous PTO plan
• Health and dental insurance with employer contribution
• Employee Health Savings Account (HSA) option for qualifying plans
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution
• Life insurance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Flexible work environment
• Free on-site parking
• 1-hour paid lunch

The Paralegal supports the legal department and its attorneys in providing high-quality legal services to clients in immigration matters. This role assists with case preparation, form completion, legal research, client communication, document gathering, and maintaining organized case files. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, compassionate, able to interact with a diverse client population, and capable of managing multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Minimum of associate degree in paralegal or legal studies, business, criminal justice, or related field; bachelor’s and/or paralegal certificate preferred
• Minimum of two (2) years of paralegal experience; immigration law highly desired, nonprofit sector a plus
• Familiarity with immigration forms, procedures, and agency requirements; knowledge of USCIS, EOIR and federal/state procedures a plus
• Strong computer skills with MS Office and various governmental websites/systems
• Exceptional research and organizational skills with accuracy and attention to detail
• Exceptional time management skills with the ability to prioritize and meet hard deadlines
• Ability to handle confidential information and work with numerous clients simultaneously
• Effective communication skills both verbal and written; able to coordinate in-house translation services when needed
• Willingness and adaptability working with diverse cultures of underserved and underrepresented communities
• Ability to work in a team environment focused on the organization’s mission
• Authorized to work in the U.S.

• Conducts initial client intakes and gathers relevant documents for immigration cases
• Tracks and maintains regular communication with clients regarding case status, required information, and deadlines
• Assists in preparing immigration applications, petitions, affidavits, and supporting documentation
• Tracks case progress and ensures timely submission of forms and evidence to USCIS, EOIR, NVC, or other agencies
• Drafts and prepares immigration forms such as I-130, I-485, N-400, I-765, I-589, and others as requested
• Prepares written and electronic correspondence to a variety of agencies, clients, partners, etc. including but not limited to: form submission, declarations, evidence indexes, and miscellaneous supporting documentation
• Assembles filings for submission to federal agencies and immigration courts
• Reviews client-provided information for accuracy and completeness prior to attorney review
• Conducts research on immigration regulations, policy changes, and case strategies
• Maintains organized digital and physical case files; implements safeguards for confidentiality and security
• Monitors deadlines using case management tracking system and provides reminders
• Prepares case summaries, timelines, and materials for attorney use in hearings or interviews
• Schedules client appointments, interviews, and attorney consultations
• Assists in preparing evidence packets for asylum hearings, adjustment interviews, and removal defense cases
• May record meeting notes and transcribe as requested
• Provides reporting and data as requested by members of management or the grant team
• Other duties as assigned by a member of management within the job scope

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by the individual assigned to this role. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The…