What are the responsibilities and job description for the Experienced Removal Defense Paralegal position at Terezakis Law Firm?
The Terezakis Law Firm, PLLC, based in Mineola, NY, is seeking a full-time, highly motivated, and experienced immigration paralegal to join our expanding removal defense practice. For over 40 years, our firm has been a trusted advocate for Long Island’s immigrant community, providing skilled representation in immigration and criminal matters, as well as in the highly specialized and complex area where these fields intersect—commonly known as criminal-immigration law or “crimmigration.”
Our firm is committed to a client-centered, team-based approach to legal representation. Paralegals play an integral role in our practice, working closely with attorneys to ensure each client receives personalized and high-quality legal support. We prioritize professional development by encouraging and supporting participation in ongoing legal education and training opportunities. Unlike high-volume firms, we focus on providing thoughtful, thorough, and individualized representation. We seek a candidate with excellent writing skills, who is personable, compassionate, and share our dedication to excellence and our desire to win our clients’ cases, within the bounds of the law. We are seeking someone who is committed to serving the immigrant community with integrity and care.
Key responsibilities:
- Prepare and file applications for relief from removal, with Immigration Court, such as asylum (Form I-589), cancellation of removal (EOIR 42A and 42B), adjustment of status (Form I-485), and waiver applications.
- Working with clients to obtain necessary documentation for relief applications.
- Assist attorneys in preparing for master and individual hearings, including assembling hearing submissions, exhibits, and preparing witness statements.
- Maintain organized and up-to-date case status, excel sheets, and track deadlines for hearings, filings, and appointments.
- Translate documents and send correspondence to clients in English and Spanish.
- Monitor case status through ECAS (EOIR) and USCIS systems; follow up on pending cases.
- Conduct country conditions research and gather supporting evidence.
- Communicate with criminal courts to obtain court records.
- Support with client intake, including: screening / referrals; assist with completing client intake forms and releases; and schedule clients for appointments.
- Ability to prioritize assignments, meet deadlines, and work independently as well as collaboratively as part of a team.
Required Qualifications:
- Minimum of three (3) years of removal defense experience.
- Bilingual fluency in Spanish and English, with strong written and verbal communication skills in both languages.
- Strong working knowledge of immigration court procedures and Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) practice is essential.
- Excellent organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
- Meticulous attention to detail, and ability to complete assigned projects.
- Ability to multitask effectively.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively and compassionately with clients from diverse backgrounds.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), Adobe Acrobat, and legal case management software.
- Must be able to commute to Mineola, NY.
- A positive attitude, good interpersonal skills, and a thouthful, and proactive mindset.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working with detained clients or individuals with criminal convictions.
- Familiarity with intersection of criminal and immigration law (“crimmigration”), including experience reviewing criminal records, and preparing conviction charts.
- Licensed notary or willing to become licensed.
Salary Range: $65,000.00 - $85,000.00, D.O.E.
Job Type: Full-time, on-site only.
Job Hours: Mondays to Thursdays from 9:00AM-6:00PM, Fridays from 9:00AM to 5:00PM; Summer Fridays, 9:00AM to 4:00PM.
Benefits:
- 3 weeks vacation; plus 1 week combined personal/sick time.
- All paid Federal holidays.
- Performance-based bonuses.
- Matching 401(k) plan.
- Profit sharing plan.
- Free parking.
- One block away from LIRR train station.
Please submit a resume, two references, and cover letter describing and providing example(s) of how you have helped contribute to your clients' success to ymaldonado@terezakislaw.com.
If hired, you will work with the principal attorney at our firm. You will learn a great deal about immigration law, and will help us defend a community that is under siege and needs our support.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $70,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
Salary : $65,000 - $85,000