Legal and Casework Assistant

Role Overview

• Provide administrative support to IRAP to the legal services department on-site at IRAP’s New York office four days a week; daily tasks include processing incoming mail and preparing outgoing submissions to government agencies and other outgoing mail.
• Coordinate administrative and logistical support for casework across the department, such as preparing files for cases to be placed with pro bono teams and coordinating interpreters for client calls.
• Enter, maintain, and organize data in our case management database regularly; monitor data health dashboard and work with attorneys to ensure our records are up-to-date with crucial client and case information.
• Maintain and organize electronic and hard-copy filing systems, including client documents, case files, and attorney correspondence files.
• Administer listservs, shared calendars, and other tools and channels of communication used by the legal department.
• Provide logistical support for team retreats and travel, as requested.
• Provide administrative support for departmental hiring processes, as requested.
• Conduct screenings by phone and email with potential clients, working with interpreters as needed.
• File Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests for case files on behalf of clients.
• Support attorneys with their casework as needed and as capacity allows. Examples of casework tasks include:
• Drafting forms under the supervision of an attorney (e.g., G-28s, I-765, I-130, etc.)
• Drafting declarations for clients based on attorney instructions.
• Gathering and organizing client documents.
• Organizing client meetings and coordinating interpretation.
• Calling clients to obtain information needed for a case, working with interpreters as needed.
• Communicate professionally and sensitively with diverse stakeholders, including clients and their family members, legal practitioners, law students, and case referral partners such as global UNHCR offices and community organizations.
• Assist with special projects, including law student projects, creating legal information resources, legal clinics, our “Ask an Expert” platform, and more.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree; or
• Associate’s Degree with 2+ years of relevant work experience; or
• 4+ years of relevant work experience.
• 2+ years of relevant work experience and an associate’s degree, or 4+ years of relevant work experience, replacing the educational requirement. Years of experience are not required for a Bachelor’s Degree holder.
• Strong organizational skills, analytical skills, time management, and attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written.
• Strong understanding of technology systems, including Microsoft, Adobe, and Google Suite.
• Experience with Salesforce is a plus.
• Ability to multitask and juggle numerous projects and tasks independently.
• Sensitivity to client empowerment and to working with clients of all backgrounds, including LGBTQIA+ clients, survivors of trauma, and other vulnerable populations.
• Excellent oral and written skills are required in English.
• Proficiency in Spanish, Arabic, Dari, Pashto, or Swahili preferred.

Benefits

• Fully paid family health insurance
• Retirement options
• Extensive PTO (20 or more vacation days, 22 or more public/org-wide holidays)
• Comprehensive leave time for sickness
• Disability and parenting leave (more than 6 months of parental leave)
• Reimbursement for work-from-home equipment
• Generous opportunities for professional development