International Institute of Buffalo · 2 days ago
Legal Assistant Paralegal
Buffalo, NY
Full-time
Onsite
Entry, Mid Level
$24.03/hr - $28.84/hr
2+ years expThe International Institute of Buffalo's mission is to make Western New York a better place for, and because of, immigrants and refugees. They are seeking an experienced paralegal to support their legal department in providing high-quality legal services to clients in immigration matters.
EducationSocial ImpactTraining
Hiring Manager
Jennifer Hasse, PHR, SHRM-CP
Responsibilities
Conducts initial client intakes and gathers relevant documents for immigration cases
Tracks and maintains regular communication with clients regarding case status, required information, and deadlines
Assists in preparing immigration applications, petitions, affidavits, and supporting documentation
Tracks case progress and ensures timely submission of forms and evidence to USCIS, EOIR, NVC, or other agencies
Drafts and prepares immigration forms such as I-130, I-485, N-400, I-765, I-589, and others as requested
Prepares written and electronic correspondence to a variety of agencies, clients, partners, etc. including but not limited to: form submission, declarations, evidence indexes, and miscellaneous supporting documentation
Assembles filings for submission to federal agencies and immigration courts
Reviews client-provided information for accuracy and completeness prior to attorney review
Conducts research on immigration regulations, policy changes, and case strategies
Maintains organized digital and physical case files; implements safeguards for confidentiality and security
Monitors deadlines using case management tracking system and provides reminders
Prepares case summaries, timelines, and materials for attorney use in hearings or interviews
Schedules client appointments, interviews, and attorney consultations
Assists in preparing evidence packets for asylum hearings, adjustment interviews, and removal defense cases
May record meeting notes and transcribe as requested
Provides reporting and data as requested by members of management or the grant team
Other duties as assigned by a member of management within the job scope
Qualification
Required
Minimum of associate degree in paralegal or legal studies, business, criminal justice, or related field
Minimum of two (2) years of paralegal experience
Immigration law highly desired, nonprofit sector a plus
Familiarity with immigration forms, procedures, and agency requirements
Knowledge of USCIS, EOIR and fed/state procedures a plus
Strong computer skills with MS Office and various governmental websites/systems
Exceptional research and organizational skills with accuracy and attention to detail
Exceptional time management skills with the ability to prioritize and meet hard deadlines
Ability to handle confidential information and work with numerous clients simultaneously
Effective communication skills both verbal and written
Able to coordinate in-house translation services when needed
Willingness and adaptability working with diverse cultures of underserved and underrepresented communities
Ability to work in a team environment focused on the organization's mission
Authorized to work in the U.S
Preferred
Bachelor's and/or paralegal certificate
Benefits
Paid holidays
Generous PTO plan
Health and dental insurance with employer contribution
Employee Health Savings Account (HSA) option for qualifying plans
403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution
Life insurance
Short-Term Disability Insurance
Flexible work environment
Free on-site parking
1-hour paid lunch
Company
International Institute of Buffalo
International Institute of Buffalo is to make Western New York a better place for, and because of, immigrants and refugees.
11-50 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageTotal Funding
unknownKey Investors
U.S. Department of Justice
2022-01-25Grant
Recent News
Seattle TechFlash
2025-04-03
Company data provided by crunchbase