Paralegal, NIJC Indianapolis

About Us

The National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) advances human rights and due process for immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers through direct legal services, impact litigation, advocacy, and public education. Headquartered in Chicago with offices in Washington, DC, Indiana, and San Diego, NIJC's team of over 100 attorneys, paralegals, and professionals, along with 2,500 pro bono attorneys, is at the forefront of immigration reform.

NIJC Paralegals provide general support through intake, research, case review, documentation preparation and other related tasks to assist general operations and the work of staff and pro bono attorneys. Individual accountabilities and work volume will be established through the development of annual Success Objectives, within the framework outlined below.

• Conducts intake, as assigned.
• Conducts legal and factual research.
• Assesses cases to determine eligibility.
• Conducts interviews with clients and witnesses.
• Drafts applications, affidavits, letters and/or legal pleadings and prepares supporting documentation.
• Prepares materials for submission to the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration Court, or other entities as appropriate.
• Reviews, analyzes, and presents cases to supervisor.
• Conducts educational presentations.
• Remains current on immigration law, policies, and procedures.
• Maintains complete, thorough, accurate and current records in an organized fashion in accordance with legal standards, rules, and ethics.
• Ensures the accuracy, substance and timeliness of statistical and narrative reports, projects, schedules, and other relevant work products.
• In accord with organizational policies and the ethical standards required of the legal profession, the Code of Professional Responsibility preserves client confidentiality, accounts for client monies, and avoids conflicts of interest.
• Other duties may be assigned.

• Legal
  
  Skills:
  
  Experience analyzing the impact of laws on vulnerable populations and advocating for improved laws and policies. Strong legal research and writing skills. Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, work independently, and collaborate effectively in a fast‑paced environment.
• Reasoning Ability: Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Technology Knowledge/
  
  Skills:
  
  Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• 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.
• Education and/or
  
  Experience:
  
  Bachelor's degree with demonstrated experience working with immigrants, refugees and/or asylum seekers. At least one year of experience working with these populations preferred.
• Language
  
  Skills:
  
  Fluency in another language may be required. Ability to communicate articulately with internal and external audiences.
• Other
  
  Qualifications:
  
  Excellent writing, editing, organizational and computer skills required. Ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently and perform well under strict deadlines.

• Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree required. Experience working with immigrants, refugees, or asylum seekers preferred.
• Language
  
  Skills:
  
  Fluency in Spanish required. Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential.
• Other Requirements: Excellent writing, editing, organizational, and computer skills. Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.