Paralegal Children's Protections Project

Company: National Immigrant Justice Center
Location: Chicago
Posted on: February 17, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description About NIJC The mission of NIJC is to ensure human rights protections and access to justice for immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers. NIJC provides direct legal services to and advocates for these populations through advocacy, impact litigation and strategic communications. NIJC leverages assistance from more than 2,500 pro bono attorneys throughout the country to provide legal services to more than 10,000 immigrants annually. Job Summary: NIJC Paralegals provide general support through intake, research, case review, documentation preparation and other related tasks to assist general operations and the work of staff and pro bono attorneys. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Individual accountability and work volume will be established through the development of annual Success Objectives. Conducts intake, as assigned. Conducts legal and factual research. Assesses cases to determine eligibility. Conducts interviews with clients and witnesses. Drafts applications, affidavits, letters and/or legal pleadings and prepares supporting documentation. Prepares materials for submission to the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration Court, or other entities as appropriate. Reviews, analyzes, and presents cases to supervisors. Conduct educational presentations. Remains current on immigration law, policies, and procedures. Maintains complete, thorough, accurate, and current records in an organized fashion in accordance with legal standards, rules, and ethics. Ensures the accuracy, substance, and timeliness of statistical and narrative reports, projects, schedules, and other relevant work products. In accordance with organizational policies and the ethical standards required of the legal profession, the Code of Professional Responsibility preserves client confidentiality, accounts for client monies, and avoids conflicts of interest. Other duties may be assigned. Qualifications: Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree required. Experience working with immigrants, refugees, or asylum seekers preferred. Language Skills: This position requires regular communication with clients in Spanish. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written Spanish. Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential. Competencies: Computer Skills : Proficiency in Microsoft Office. Reasoning Ability: Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. How to Apply Please Include: Your resume A compelling cover letter, including the following: Why you are interested in this specific role and in working for NIJC How your unique skills and experience will enable you to make a significant impact on our team and help us achieve our mission. A specific, brief example of a project or accomplishment from your past that best demonstrates your relevant qualifications. Physical Abilities Statement The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time The person in this position occasionally needs to move about the inside of the office to access filing cabinets, office machinery, etc. Constantly operating a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a copy machine. It is the policy of NIJC not to discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of age, color, sex, disability, national origin, race, religion, or veteran status. By submitting your application, you acknowledge and consent to undergo a comprehensive background check as part of the employment process. This background check will be conducted in compliance with applicable state and federal laws.

Keywords: National Immigrant Justice Center, Bolingbrook , Paralegal Children's Protections Project, Legal , Chicago, Illinois