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Position Available:
Outreach Paralegal
Agricultural Worker & Immigrant Rights Practice Group
Advocates for Basic Legal Equality (ABLE) is a nonprofit law firm established over 50 years ago to ensure that the most vulnerable people in our communities have the same access to justice as people and companies that can afford to retain an attorney. ABLE and its partner law firm, Legal Aid of Western Ohio (LAWO), are the only law firms available for comprehensive legal representation in non-criminal matters for more than 425,000 people living, working, and raising their families in poverty in Northwest and West Central Ohio. ABLE advocates for and with financially disadvantaged individuals and communities to effectuate just and equitable policy changes that address the structural causes of poverty and to protect their right to fairness and justice in the legal system. Each member of the staff plays an integral part in the proper representation of the client. The efficient and effective operation of the law firm requires the full cooperation of all its members to achieve our goals. Each member must therefore have a commitment to the general purposes and operation of ABLE and be able to work effectively with all parts of the ABLE network and delivery system. An effort must be made to achieve a successful working atmosphere among the staff. All staff members are responsible for the proper execution of their duties and for dealing with our clients and visitors in a professional and pleasant manner. Dependability, trustworthiness, confidentiality, and competence are required for all staff. All staff members are expected to integrate ABLE’s Standards of Excellence in their work, in dealing with colleagues, and in serving clients. The Standards of Excellence are available on the company Intranet site. The requirements in this job description coupled with the employee’s work plan are the basis for employee evaluations. The person in this position is expected to perform the Duties and Responsibilities listed below on a regular and consistent basis.
Job Summary:
The Outreach Paralegal will handle affirmative immigration cases before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (upon receiving the appropriate accreditation) and provide general legal support for attorneys, including client communication, research, case investigation, and other case-related tasks. Additionally, the paralegal will conduct informational presentations for farmworkers, immigrant client communities, and advocates, while also developing and maintaining working relationships with community-based organizations, social service agencies, government agencies, and other groups. They will train staff and volunteers to conduct client education and take applications for legal assistance, ensuring comprehensive support for clients and the broader community.
Job Description:
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES (other duties as assigned):
- Under the supervision of an attorney, prepare, draft, and proofread legal documents, conduct legal research and investigation, meet with clients, attorneys and other experts to discuss case details, and engage in community outreach.
- Upon receiving the appropriate accreditation from the Department of Justice, represent clients in affirmative immigration applications before USCIS, such as applications for employment authorization, deferred action, temporary protected status, lawful permanent residence, naturalization, self-petitions under the Violence Against Women Act, applications for T and U nonimmigrant status, and family-based petitions.
- Prepare and file court documents and perform general administrative duties.
- Be familiar with and have a good working knowledge of the procedures and rules for federal and state courts and administrative agencies.
- Develop a good understanding of those substantive areas of law and community resources that affect the clients served by ABLE.
- Using movement lawyering principles and strategies in collaboration with a supervising attorney, engage with impacted community members, listen to and understand community concerns, and provide legal information to address community-identified needs.
- Participate in the implementation of the program's priorities for the allocation of its resources.
- Establish and maintain good working relationships with other legal services programs, community-based organizations, social service agencies, public officials, and other individuals or groups that may be involved in providing legal services to people impacted by poverty.
- Aid, as requested, in referral and case management procedures established for ABLE's pro bono volunteers.
- Comply with required administrative tasks, including the timely completion of time records, case, and funding reports.
SCOPE & IMPACT:
Paralegals play a critical role in advancing access to justice for marginalized and low-income communities. This position ensures that clients receive thorough and compassionate legal support while empowering the broader community through outreach and education. By assisting in strategic case work and fostering collaboration with impacted communities and organizations, the paralegal directly contributes to ABLE’s mission of addressing systemic issues and achieving meaningful legal outcomes. The role’s administrative responsibilities further support the sustainability and effectiveness of ABLE’s services.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- A demonstrated passion for immigrant, racial, and economic justice
- Fluency in Spanish
- Experience working in under-resourced immigrant communities
- Experience and comfort speaking to large groups of people and relaying information to audience members of different cultural, linguistic, and educational backgrounds
- Ability to relate well with diverse under-resourced communities and clients, engage in community-based advocacy and understand the unique challenges facing our client communities, and have a commitment to legal services to disadvantaged individuals and communities.
- Familiarity with completing basic immigration forms and understanding of immigration applications and processes.
- Experience building and maintaining good working relationships with other legal services programs, community-based organizations, social service agencies, public officials, and other individuals or groups that may be involved in providing legal services to people impacted by poverty.
- Willingness to aid, as requested, in referral and case management procedures established for ABLE's pro bono volunteers.
- Ability to comply with required administrative tasks, including the timely completion of time records, case, and funding reports.
- Previous legal services experience preferred.
- The ability to maintain client confidentiality and discretion in community interactions.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment, take the initiative, and zealously advocate for clients.
- Commitment to ABLE’s mission, the Strategic Advocacy Initiatives, and to ABLE’s clients and client communities.
- Ability to work with diverse clients and staff in an inclusive, collaborative environment and friendly manner.
- Willingness to travel throughout Ohio to conduct outreach and occasional out-of-state travel to attend training.
- Willingness to meet client emergency needs and client community outreach needs, which may require working some nights and weekends.
- This position is a non-exempt position and ABLE offers the ability for non-exempt staff to flex time when evening or weekend work is required.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:
- Work is performed in an open office environment.
- Must hold a valid driver's license and be insurable.
COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND WORK LOCATION:
ABLE is committed to providing an equitable work environment, including a commitment to pay equity. The annual salary range for this position starts at $50,600.00. ABLE offers comprehensive fringe benefits, including health insurance, dental, vision, basic Life/AD&D, retirement savings plan, annual and sick leave, supplemental language compensation, and paid parental leave. This position can be based out of the Toledo office with hybrid work possible.
OTHER DUTIES: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the incumbent for this job. ABLE can revise or eliminate requirements and responsibilities of this position at any time to reflect its needs and objectives. ABLE will notify affected employees of any changes and the effective date of such changes.
TO APPLY: Please visit https://www.ablelaw.org/careers-with-able to submit your application. Position will remain open until filled.
ABLE is an Equal Opportunity Employer and places a high value on diversity in our workplace, including diversity in race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, and physical ability. We strive to create an environment welcoming to all individuals and we encourage applications from individuals traditionally underrepresented in the legal profession. Applicants requiring accommodation for the interview/application process should contact the recruitment coordinator at hrteam@ablelaw.org.
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