The American Bar Association (ABA) was founded on a commitment to advance the rule of law in the United States and beyond by providing practical resources for legal professionals, conducting law school accreditation, developing model ethics codes and more. Today, the ABA remains a member-based organization that works to ensure access to justice for all, a fair legal process, and respect for the rule of law at home and across the globe.

The ABA is committed to service and refining the standards that guide the legal profession. ABA staff are provided multiple types of continuing education and career development opportunities. Your work will help eliminate bias, enhance diversity, and advance the rule of law throughout the US and around the world.

The ABA recognizes the value staff contribute to our success through a generous benefits package that protects their health and their financial security. The ABA's wide array of benefit offerings include 401(k), medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, health spending accounts, supplemental life and disability insurance, prepaid legal programs, and a complimentary membership to the American Bar Association, which offers additional benefits.

Flexible/hybrid work arrangements may be available for residents of CA, DC, IL, IN, IA, MD, MI, MN, TX, VA, and WI. Residency requirements may apply. ABA employees are eligible to apply for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).

Job Summary

Serves as a mentor and trains paralegals, legal assistants, and other legal support staff. Provides substantive case and court support to attorneys and accredited representatives. Prepares legal filings and documents (e.g., client affidavits, pleadings, motions, etc.) as directed.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities

-Serve as a mentor and trains paralegals, legal assistants, and other legal support staff.

-Provides paralegal support and assistance to assigned legal staff. Prepares legal filings and documents (e.g., immigration applications, correspondence, translations, etc.) as directed.

-Assesses the urgency of situations and determines appropriate actions, monitors status of pending items, and provides updates/feedback to appropriate legal team members.

-Oversees client case files as directed by staff attorneys and Accredited Representatives. Monitors case activities and maintains the data integrity of case management systems.

-Accesses, processes, and ensures the confidentiality and control of client information.

-Assists with referral of clients to pro bono counsel, as directed. Conducts and assists with coordination and tracking of other legal services, as necessary.

-Performs other related duties as required.

Required Education, Qualifications, Experience

-Associates degree or higher education from an accredited U.S. institution in paralegal

studies, criminal justice, political science or related field, or three years' experience as a paralegal.

-One or more years of experience as a paralegal.

-Fluent in English and Spanish in written and spoken forms.

-Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office products and Google tools.

-Must be able to pick on client visual and verbal cues.

-Have reliable transportation to travel to off-site work locations.

-Must be insurable and have an acceptable driving record.

-Ability to travel to and enter care provider facilities funded by the Office of Refugee Resettlement, Administration for Children and Families, United States Department of Health and Human Services which provide housing and services to unaccompanied children.

-Provision of legal services to unaccompanied children in such care provider facilities. In accordance with the federal regulation, background check will be required for this position.

Preferred Education, Qualifications, Experience

-Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or higher in paralegal studies, criminal justice, political science or related field and one year experience as a paralegal.

-Current certificate of completion of an ABA-approved paralegal program.

-Prior work experience with children, particularly from Central America and including Mayan language- speaking populations.

-Prior volunteer, community, or work experience regarding immigration or detention.

-Prior non-profit experience, particularly involving immigration detention.

• ABA IJP, 2727 Camino Del Rio, San Diego, California, United States of America