Legal Assistant
Lighthouse Immigrant Advocates (LIA) is a nonprofit organization providing affordable immigration legal services on Michigan’s Lakeshore. The Legal Assistant will support the legal team in immigration case work, maintain client records, and ensure a welcoming environment for clients while interacting directly with attorneys and clients in both English and Spanish.
Responsibilities
- Prepare government forms, draft simple cover letters, and maintain client files under attorney supervision
- Interpret in English and Spanish between clients and legal staff as needed
- Enter and manage data in Google Drive, Cerenade eImmigration, and USCIS systems; develop proficiency in Google Suite, Microsoft Office and basic QuickBooks
- Assist with criminal and immigration research, coordinate legal clinics, meet with clients in office and at partner sites, and collect, scan and organise client documents
- Maintain strict client confidentiality and oversee proper closing procedures for completed cases
- Communicate with clients by phone, email and in person; help ensure a welcoming environment for clients, volunteers, board members and staff
- Attend legal team and allstaff meetings and complete assigned trainings
- Perform other duties as assigned to support LIA’s mission
Skills
- Exceptional organisational and time-management skills; comfortable working with minimal supervision
- Fluent in English and Spanish (spoken and written)
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion
- Comfortable with case-management software and data entry; experience with Cerenade eImmigration or similar systems is a plus
- Ability to handle confidential information with discretion
- Experience in legal or social services settings is helpful but not required
Benefits
- Medical, dental and life insurance
- Three weeks’ paid vacation
- Two additional weeks of PTO during December holidays
- Ten days of sick time
- Eleven paid holidays
- Mental health Employee Assistance Program
- Flexible scheduling
Company Overview