Westside Justice Center

Paralegal – Immigration

Westside Justice Center

part-time

Posted on:

Location Type: Hybrid

Location: Chicago • Illinois • United States

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Salary

💰 $26 - $28 per hour

About the role

  • Assist attorneys in preparing, organizing, and filing U.S. immigration applications and petitions.
  • Conduct intake interviews and gather supporting evidence (birth certificates, affidavits, country condition documents, etc.).
  • Draft and proofread immigration forms, client declarations, and legal correspondence.
  • Conduct legal and factual research on immigration law, regulations, and USCIS procedures.
  • Track case deadlines, maintain case management systems, and monitor client communications.
  • Coordinate and track referrals to attorneys, partner organizations, and community service agencies.
  • Prepare case summaries, exhibits, and documentation for submission to USCIS, EOIR, and related agencies.
  • Support immigration workshops, community education events, and legal clinics as needed.

Requirements

  • Paralegal Certificate from an American Bar Association–approved program (required).
  • At least 2 years of experience in a legal setting, with direct immigration law experience in a nonprofit, law firm, or legal aid environment.
  • Strong working knowledge of U.S. immigration processes and filings (USCIS, EOIR, NVC).
  • Proficiency in Haitian Creole, Spanish, or other languages spoken within African and Caribbean diaspora communities (such as Yoruba, Swahili, or Amharic) is highly preferred.
  • Exceptional attention to detail and ability to manage multiple active cases.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills with diverse client populations.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively within a legal team.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with case management databases.
Benefits
  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Paid Time Off
  • 401(k) retirement plan
Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools
U.S. immigration applicationslegal researchcase managementdrafting legal documentsproofreadingclient declarationsimmigration lawUSCIS procedurescase summariesevidence gathering
Soft Skills
attention to detailinterpersonal skillscommunication skillsindependent workcollaborative workmultitaskingclient managementorganizational skillsproblem-solvingcultural competency
Certifications
Paralegal Certificate