Legal Assistant

POSITION TITLE: Legal Assistant REPORTS TO: Lead Attorney HOURS: Full Time WORKSITE: Lincoln or Omaha, Nebraska COMPENSATION Pay rate starting at $23.00 per hour, commensurate with experience EMPLOYEE BENEFITS Unlimited paid time off (including employee birthday); 9 paid holidays with year-end holiday break Medical, dental, vision, life, and AD&D insurance; 403b retirement plan with an automatic 5% contribution; and FMLA Employee Wellness Program (including enriching snacks, support groups, and engaging activities) Employee Assistance Program (EAP) (includes life event referral program, 5 free counseling sessions, financial and legal resources, and employee discount/savings program) Yearly stipends for employee development opportunities Relocation assistance; travel and expense reimbursement ORGANIZATIONAL DESCRIPTION At the Center for Immigrant and Refugee Advancement (CIRA), we see strength in every story. We are Nebraska and Southwest Iowa's leading immigration legal services provider and refugee resettlement agency, built on the foundation that every person - regardless of their country of origin or immigration background - deserves dignity, belonging, and opportunity. Through high-quality legal representation, resettlement services, social work, education, and advocacy, we meet the complex and evolving needs of our immigrant and refugee communities. Our expert team supports complex needs with one shared goal: empowering our clients to forge better lives, resulting in stronger communities for all of us. POSITION DESCRIPTION The Legal Assistant is an integral part of CIRA's legal team, and this role will be assisting with services for the U/T/VAWA team. The core functions of this position are (1) legal support; (2) client communication; and (3) education and advocacy. CORE FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION Legal Support Work with attorneys, DOJ-accredited representatives, and staff who contribute to serving clients who may qualify for a form of immigration relief Assist CIRA attorneys and DOJ-accredited representatives by preparing, copying, and scanning documents, and sending and tracking outgoing mail Translate client documents and correspondence from Spanish to English, ensuring accuracy and attention to detail in all written translations Assist CIRA attorneys and DOJ-accredited representatives with forms, statements, cover letters, motions, petitions, and briefs Create, organize, and maintain complete and accurate client records in physical files and on CIRA's case management software, including logging all new activities, filing receipts, correspondence, and filings in the case file, and tracking reminders and deadlines as described in CIRA's Legal Procedures Manual Effectively and efficiently track open/closed cases using CIRA's case management software Assist in compiling and preparing case management reports Client Communication Maintain contact with CIRA clients and promptly return calls in accordance with the Legal Procedures Manual Assist CIRA attorneys and DOJ-accredited representatives with drafting, translating, and sending email and mail correspondence Keep clients aware of the status of their case Provide accurate, faithful interpretation during client phone calls and meetings, including long and sensitive conversations requiring care and professionalism Refer clients to proper community resources Communicate and advocate for the needs of clients Education and Advocacy Contribute to intake, outreach, and education programs related to forms of immigration legal relief and advocate for the rights of immigrants Refer clients to proper community resources Communicate and advocate for the needs of clients QUALIFICATIONS Associate's degree or equivalent experience required; Bachelor's degree preferred Fluency in English and Spanish is required Previous experience within the legal field is preferred but not required Strong commitment to public interest legal services and to the enfranchisement and empowerment of immigrant communities Ability to work sensitively with staff, volunteers, and clients from diverse backgrounds, including LGBTQ+ individuals and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other forms of gender-based violence. Must be committed to providing affirming, trauma-informed services consistent with CIRA's nondiscrimination policies and values Fluency in using Office 365 applications (ex. Outlook, Word, Excel, SharePoint, etc.) and a strong ability to learn new software Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English required Exceptional customer service and interpersonal skills with ability to serve clients and colleagues from various backgrounds professionally Demonstrates reliability through consistent attendance, effective time management, and flexibility Ability to take initiative and problem-solve independently when appropriate Ability to represent CIRA positively to clients, volunteers, community organizations, and the public Strong commitment to professional excellence in a mission-driven environment Impeccable integrity, positive attitude, and self-directed work style Ability to handle confidential information with discretion Ability to lift items up to 20 lbs. as needed Ability to pass all required background checks Must be at least 18 years of age and authorized to work in the United States WORKING CONDITIONS This role consists of regularly sitting at a desk and using a computer and phone. This is not a remote position. Workdays pertain to a Monday – Friday schedule, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, with occasional flexibility required. TO APPLY Please upload a cover letter, resume, and three professional references all in PDF format to the job application link. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities associated with it. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. INCLUSION & EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT CIRA is fully committed to Equal Employment Opportunity. We do not discriminate based on an individual’s race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, military service, or any characteristics prohibited by law. This policy governs all aspects of employment at CIRA, including recruiting, hiring, assignments, training, promotions, compensation, employee benefits, employee discipline and discharge, and all other terms and conditions of employment.