Law Clerk - Catholic Community Services

Position Title: Law Clerk

FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt  

Full or part-time status: Part-time 

Department: Migration and Refugee Services 

Reports to: Senior Immigration Attorney 

Pay Rate: $20.00/hr 

Date written or last revised: November 2023 

Primary Function of Position 

As a Law Clerk, you will play a pivotal role in our Immigration Program by offering your expertise in legal research, casework support, and comprehensive brief preparation. Collaborating closely with our seasoned legal professionals, you will delve into complex immigration matters, providing invaluable assistance to those navigating the intricate legal landscape.

Major Position Responsibilities 

1. Client Communication: Maintain regular and effective communication with clients, ensuring they are informed about the progress of their cases and addressing their inquiries and concerns.

1. Legal Research: Conduct thorough legal research to analyze and comprehend complex immigration issues, staying updated on evolving legal precedents and regulations.

1. Legal Writing: Prepare comprehensive legal documents and written assignments, including briefs, memos, and legal opinions, to support immigration cases.

1. Immigration Application Preparation: Collaborate in the preparation of immigration applications for filing, ensuring they are accurate, complete, and aligned with relevant legal requirements.

1. Other duties as assigned.

Work Environment 

1. This role is in a professional office environment, utilizing standard office equipment, including computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.  

Physical Demands 

1. While primarily a sedentary role, some filing tasks are involved. This entails lifting files, opening filing cabinets, and occasionally bending or standing as needed. 

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities 

1. Client-Centric Qualities: Ideally, candidates should demonstrate personal qualities such as openness, compassion, and graciousness when assisting clients in understanding and addressing legal challenges. These qualities contribute to creating a supportive and empathetic environment for our clients.

1. Confidentiality: Exhibit the ability to maintain strict confidentiality concerning client cases, adhering to ethical and legal standards.

1. Organizational and Planning: Proficiency in organizational and planning skills to efficiently manage tasks and responsibilities.

1. Task Prioritization: Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks and responsibilities effectively, ensuring that critical legal matters are addressed promptly.

1. Attention to Detail: Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy, ensuring precision in legal documents and case management.

1. Problem-Solving: Adept problem-solving skills to navigate complex legal issues and find effective solutions.

1. Flexibility and Adaptability: Flexibility and adaptability to handle evolving legal situations and adapt to changing circumstances.

1. Team Collaboration: Ability to work harmoniously as part of a team, fostering collaboration and contributing positively to the organization's mission and objectives.

1. Office Management Knowledge: Knowledge of office management systems and procedures is advantageous.

Education, Training, and Experience 

1. Educational Background: While not mandatory, a Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience is preferred.

1. Law School Enrollment: Current enrollment in an accredited law school is a requirement for this position.

1. Legal Writing and Research: Strong legal research and writing skills are essential, including familiarity with legal research databases like LexisNexis or Westlaw.

1. Immigration Law Experience: While not mandatory, prior experience working in immigration law is preferred and will be highly advantageous.

1. Bilingual Proficiency: Proficiency in both verbal and written communication in English and Spanish is preferred, enhancing the capacity to assist a diverse clientele effectively.

1. Advanced Computer Skills: Possess advanced word processing and computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel. Applicants should be self-sufficient in operating these software programs.

1. Keyboarding and Data Entry: Proficiency in keyboarding and data entry skills to maintain accurate records and documents.

1. Law Office Experience: Previous experience working in a law office is preferred and will be beneficial for a seamless transition into this role.

Background Screening Requirement 

1. Must pass a national BCI/FBI background check. 

Licenses, certifications, and credentials  

1. None

Position status and expected schedule 

1. This position is part-time, up to 30 hours of work per week.

1. The general work schedule encompasses up to 30 hours to be distributed between Monday and Friday, with the work hours falling between 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM. That being said, this schedule is flexible to accommodate your availability.  

DISCLAIMER STATEMENT: This job description lists typical examples of work and is not intended to include every job duty and responsibility specific to a position. The employer reserves the right to change or assign other duties to this position with or without notice. 

CCS is an equal-opportunity employer.