Paralegal Asylum Defense Project

TRLA seeks a paralegal for its Asylum Defense Project who will support TRLA’s efforts to provide free civil legal services to asylum-seeking migrants in southern Texas with the Asylum Defense Project. The Asylum Defense Project—project of Texas RioGrande Legal Aid—maintains a small team of lawyers and paralegals who provide legal representation to detained asylum-seekers. 

Duties: 

All candidates should possess a sense of urgency to assist and protect asylum-seekers from deportation, empathy, and the ability to stay calm and collected in the midst of crisis. The paralegal’s work with detained asylum-seekers will include, but not be limited to, the following duties: 

Complete intakes with new clients; 

Develop and maintain specialized, updated knowledge of asylum law and immigration removal; 

Organize and analyze information; 

Support clients in advocating for release from immigration detention; 

Fact gather with witnesses and draft witness declarations and letters of support; 

Work with clients to complete draft immigration forms and paperwork; 

Conduct research and gather evidence, including country conditions, that supports an individual’s eligibility for asylum; 

Prepare filings for court under the supervision and direction of an attorney; 

Communicate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, detention center staff, and immigration court staff; 

Communicate with clients and their loved ones; 

Maintain accurate and complete client files and administrative records, including timely entry of new clients and client appointments into client database systems; 

Prepare administrative reports; 

Provide translation and interpretation;  

Provide legal information under the supervision and direction of an attorney; 

Provide referrals for clients; 

Schedule, organize, and facilitate client meetings; 

Keep accurate records of all data collection; and 

Perform other related duties and tasks as assigned. 

Required Qualifications: 

Fluency in English and Spanish 

Excellent oral and writing skills 

Ability to work independently and as part of a team 

Flexibility to work occasional evening and weekend hours 

A proven commitment to supporting vulnerable immigrant populations 

Preferred: 

Dedication to and experience in serving low-income populations 

Experience working with survivors of trauma 

Ability to travel in person to detention centers in central and south Texas  

How to Apply and Related Timelines: 

For consideration, applicants should complete the online application and upload a cover letter, resume, and three references. 

The consideration of candidates is ongoing and will continue until the position is filled. The position is available immediately, although the start date is negotiable. 

TRLA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

At TRLA, we are committed to offering fair and equal employment opportunities to all job applicants and employees. We strictly prohibit any form of discrimination and harassment of any type based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.