What are the responsibilities and job description for the Immigration / Litigation Paralegal position at Des Moines Elder Law?
Established Elder Law Firm is expanding their practice area to include immigration and citizenship services and is looking for an experienced immigration Paralegal to join our team to help build and lead this growing practice area.
The Lead Immigration Paralegal will manage all aspects of immigration cases, oversee support staff as needed, and serve as the key point of contact for immigration clients. This role requires deep knowledge of U.S. immigration processes, especially green card applications, naturalization, visitor visas, consular processing and parole in place.
The Firm's other practices areas include: litigation, probate, benefit planning, guardianship, fiduciary services, estate planning, corporations and real estate. Preference will be given to candidates with related experience in any of the Firm's practice areas as there may be some overlap in supporting those departments, particularly in litigation. The ideal candidate will be managing Immigration caseload and assisting in Litigation Department (entry level litigation experience is acceptable).
Key Responsibilities:
- Prepare, file, and monitor family-based immigration, green card, naturalization, and parole in place applications.
- Conduct thorough case assessments and draft immigration forms using ICM, affidavits, legal correspondence, and client declarations.
- Communicate with clients, government agencies (USCIS, NVC, EOIR), and outside professionals with clarity and professionalism.
- Track deadlines and maintain case files using the Equifax Immigration Case Management (ICM) System (f/k/a Law Logix) legal software and document management systems.
- Train and supervise junior paralegals or legal assistants as the team expands.
- Collaborate with attorneys and staff to integrate immigration services into elder law planning.
Qualifications:
- Minimum 4–5 years of experience as an immigration paralegal, with demonstrated leadership or case management responsibilities.
- Strong knowledge of immigration law, processes and procedures.
- Exceptional organizational, writing, and communication skills. Must be detail oriented and empathetic to client's abilities and circumstances.
- Fluency in Spanish is a plus.
- Experience working with vulnerable populations, such as elderly clients, immigrants, or caregivers, is a strong plus.
- Bachelor’s degree or Associates Degree with paralegal certification required.
- Background check and reference check will be performed.
This is a full-time position in the office (hybrid work is not available) with flexibility in scheduled work hours available ranging from 7AM to 5:30PM and 37-40 hours per week.
Start date: December 2025 – January 2026