What are the responsibilities and job description for the Bilingual Legal Assistant (Spanish/English), Immigration Law Firm position at Hispanic American Legal Services ltd?
About Us:
Hispanic American Legal Services, Ltd. is an immigration law firm in Illinois. We offer a full range of immigration legal services to individual clients. Our clients count on us for consistent, reliable, and caring legal help, and we are looking for a dedicated Legal Assistant to join our growing team.
About the Role:
This is a full-time, long-term position that calls for a strong commitment. We want someone who plans to grow with our firm and help it succeed over the years.
Please note: if you are currently studying, or plan to go back to school or pursue other opportunities in the near future, please do not apply for this position.
Being highly organized is essential in this role. Your main focus will be preparing and organizing case files for submission to USCIS and keeping clear, steady communication with our clients.
Key Responsibilities:
Case preparation and file management:
- Organize and assemble application and petition packets, including supporting evidence and letters, for attorney review before filing with USCIS
- Receive client documents, then organize them and upload them to Docketwise, our case management system
- Send document checklists and questionnaires to newly retained clients
- Track outstanding documents and follow up with clients until files are complete
- Draft cover letters for U visas, VAWA petitions, and waivers
- Monitor filing deadlines and priority dates
- Scan filing packets, prepare mailing labels, and package and deliver them to USPS/FedEx
- Scan incoming mail and file it in the client's electronic records
Client and agency communication:
- Answer and return phone calls with a positive, professional attitude
- Screen and qualify callers for consultations
- Respond to emails promptly
- Call USCIS on behalf of clients to check on case matters
- Update clients on the status of their cases
- Keep a daily call log as needed
Team support:
- Meet with the attorney and follow through on assigned tasks
- Work with moderate supervision and take responsibility for your own results
Requirements:
- Fluent in Spanish and English (required)
- At least 1 year working in a immigration law firm preferred but not required
- Excellent organizational skills and strong attention to detail
- Excellent writing, grammar, and communication skills
- Able to prioritize and meet competing deadlines in a fast-paced office
- Self-motivated and able to work independently
- Honest, with integrity and professionalism under pressure
- A real desire to help people and go above and beyond for clients
- Comfortable with technology and quick to learn new tools, including Windows, Microsoft Office, document scanning, and PDF organization
- Flexible and willing to adapt as the firm grows
- Experience with Docketwise or a Legal Case Management Tool is preferred but not required
Schedule:
- Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- One Saturday every month, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Compensation and Benefits:
Hourly Rate: $24 per hour based on experience
Benefits include, but are not limited to:
- Health insurance (starting 30 days after hiring date)
- Paid time off
- Birthday & U.S Holidays off
- Opportunities for professional development and growth within the firm
We value our employees and pay fairly based on skills and experience.
How to Apply:
Apply and send your resume in PDF format, including 2 to 3 professional references. All applications and interviews are kept strictly confidential.
If you're organized, dedicated, and looking for a long-term career in immigration law, we'd love to hear from you.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $24.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Education:
- Associate (Required)
Language:
- Spanish (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $24