JOB OPENING: Legal Assistant and Case Management Coordinator

 HUMAN RIGHTS INITIATIVE OF NORTH TEXAS 

LEGAL ASSISTANT & CASE MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR

ESSENTIAL JOB QUALIFICATIONS

The successful candidate must be a passionate advocate of HRI's mission and will cultivate strong ties between HRI and the many individuals, organizations and funders invested in HRI. 

• Proficient in English and Spanish.
• Paralegal Certificate from an ABA approved program - Preferred but not required.
• Strong computer and legal drafting skills.
• Must become proficient in use of ProLaw Case Management software.
• Strong public speaking and interpersonal skills.
• Passion for human rights.
• Respectful and kind to clients.
• Take initiative, even if task is not traditional paralegal task.
• Strong interpersonal skills and able to manage personal boundaries in an extremely professional manner.

ASSIGNED RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES

 GENERAL DUTIES IN THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT

• Prioritize workload according to the CEO's operational goals and the attorney's calendars.
• Refer all legal issues to HRI attorney. 
• Open cases.
• Prepare closing letters for HRI attorney's signature, send closing letters and close cases. 
• Maintain legal statistics and reports.
• Maintain filing for legal department, including sending clients and pro bonos copies of receipt notices. 
• Update log weekly for cases he/she works on. 
• Under the supervision of the HRI attorney assigned to the case, process address changes for legal department, including drafting necessary paperwork for in-house and pro bono cases with any government agencies.
• Assist attorneys on intakes for all services. 
• Schedule appointment to accept cases for members of legal department. 
• Maintain docket and conference calendar and check cases on EOIR line on a weekly basis.
• Collect and review documents for pending cases (e.g., birth certificate; send to volunteer coordinator for translation by volunteer, etc.). Follow up with pending intakes for status checks every two weeks and update responsible attorney. 
• Conduct limited legal research (as directed) and provide memorandum of law. 
• Phone coverage as needed and general office support.
• Prepare I-765 (Work Authorization) for eligible clients.

 ASYLUM PROGRAM

• Prepare general correspondence and complete any other tasks HRI attorney assigns. 
• Draft pleadings (e.g., motions, orders, etc).
• Prepare forms (e.g., G-28, I-589, I-730, etc).
• Prepare client packages to pro bonos for HRI attorney's review.  Then copy and send package to pro bono. 
• Email or call pro bonos and clients every two weeks to check on case progress or as directed by supervising HRI attorney.
• Under the supervision of HRI attorney, monitor and assist pro bonos with procedural issues on cases until case is filed.  Refer to HRI attorney for issues dealing with all legal issues. 
• Review draft affidavits, forms, and packages prior to completion and then forward to HRI attorney for review.  Assist in the collection and assembly of supporting exhibits. Return items with incorporated suggestions to pro bono.  
• Once final case is returned to HRI, complete initial review, make any necessary changes and then forward to HRI attorney for final review.  Upon return of the case, copy, finalize and send package to CIS.
• Monitor pending affirmative asylum cases. Send out inquires when necessary to the Houston Asylum Office.
• Monitor employment authorization eligibility and expiration for all case types (affirmative, defensive, and appellate).  Notify HRI attorney when client is 120 days from initial eligibility or expiration.  Once discussed, schedule appointment for client to come in to file initial application or extension (should be scheduled around 100 days from eligibility or expiration). 
• Monitor pending adjustment of status, employment authorization application and asylee petitions monthly.  Update HRI attorney monthly on pending matters, including the current processing times of the service centers. 
• Draft I-730 (Family Reunification) packages for HRI attorney's review and signature.  Then copy and send package to CIS. 

WOMEN'S & CHILDREN'S PROGRAM

• Prepare general correspondence and complete any other tasks attorney assigns. 
• Draft pleadings (e.g., motions, orders, etc).
• Prepare forms (e.g., G-28, I-360, I-485).
• Collect documents and fees and prepare I-246 "supervised removal" packages; track items to verify receipt by USCIS.
• Draft U Visa packages for HRI attorney's review and signature.  Then copy and send package to CIS. 
• Prepare client packages to pro bonos for attorney's review. Then copy and send package to pro bono.
• Under the supervision of HRI attorney, monitor and assist pro bonos with proceduralissues on cases until case is filed.Refer to HRI attorney for issues dealing with all legal issues.
• Monitor cases once they are filed. Update HRI attorneyand pro bono monthly on pending matters, including the current processing timesof the service centers.
• Email or call pro bonos and clientsevery two weeks to check on case progress or as directed by supervising HRIattorney.
• Review draft affidavits, forms, andpackages prior to completion and then forward to HRI attorney for review.Assist in the collection and assembly of supporting exhibits. Return items with incorporated suggestions to pro bono. 
• Once final case is returned to HRI,complete initial review, make any necessary changes and then forward to HRIattorney for final review. Upon returnof the case, copy, finalize and send package to CIS.

Supervisor

Legal Director