Legal Assistant, Legal Services

JOB OVERVIEW: IRC in Missoula seeks a Legal Assistant to support its Managing Attorney and other legal staff in providing immigration legal services to refugee and other immigrant clients. The Legal Assistant will have stellar interpersonal and trauma-informed listening skills, be highly organized and have excellent attention to detail, and be able to work both in a collaborative team environment and independently on assignments.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist in conducting intakes or follow-up meetings with current and potential clients, gathering supporting documents, and preparing translations;
• Assist in preparing filings for the immigration court, Asylum Office, and USCIS;
• Open cases, create paper and electronic case files, and input data in relevant case management systems to ensure accurate and timely tracking of cases;
• Coordinate with other IRC program staff to provide wrap-around services, where appropriate;
• Support development of partnerships that have potential to bring valuable support to clients;
• Communicate with clients to provide case status updates, request documents and other information, schedule appointments, and manage other communication as needed;
• Prepare affidavits, legal correspondence, and other documents for the Managing Attorney and other legal staff;
• Track deadlines for Legal Services team and prepare monthly reports.

Job Requirements:

• An undergraduate degree or equivalent work experience in the legal field;
• Experience in a legal setting highly desirable, but not required;
• Excellent attention to detail, ability to multi-task, and comfort working in a fast-paced environment;
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, solve problems and exercise sound judgement;
• Evidence of capacity to be a strong team member in a highly collaborative social service environment;
• Deep commitment to working with new Americans including refugees and asylum seekers
• Trauma-informed and sensitive listening and communication skills;
• Personal integrity in handling ethically complex and confidential situations;
• Commitment to anti-racism and ongoing learning;
• Strong computer literacy, research, and analysis skills;
• Ability and willingness to travel frequently in and around the service area to engage with clients and community partners.

Working Environment:

• Standard office environment with occasional participation in community outreach and legal assistance events; hybrid, flexible work options available.
• May require occasional weekend and/or evening work.

Posted pay ranges apply to US-based candidates. Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget. Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements.

Equal Opportunity Employer: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

US Benefits: The IRC offers a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. All US employees are eligible for sick time, a 403b retirement savings plans: up to 4.5% immediately vested matching contribution, plus an 3-7% additional IRC contribution, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support in times of crisis and mental health struggles.

In addition, full-time employees are eligible for 10 US paid holidays, 20-25 paid time off days, disability & life insurance, medical, dental, and vision insurance (employee contribution starting at $135, $7, and $5 per month respectively) and FSA for healthcare, childcare, and commuter costs. Part-time employees are eligible for a proportionate amount of paid time off. These additional benefits apply to employees who work at least 6 months within a 12-month time period.