Job Announcement: Paralegal

POSITION: The Michigan Immigrant Rights Center (MIRC) is seeking candidates for positions as Paralegals serving low-income immigrants in their immigration legal services needs. There are positions open in our Detroit, Lansing, and Grand Rapids offices. This is a chance to join a talented team doing important and challenging work at a critical time. 

DESCRIPTION OF PROGRAM: MIRC is a legal resource center for immigrant communities. The three pillars of our work are: (1) direct legal services, (2) systemic advocacy, and (3) community education and engagement.  MIRC is part of Michigan Statewide Advocacy Services (MSAS), a non-profit law firm providing free legal services to individuals and families with low-income, Michigan’s immigrant communities, older adults, and adults with disabilities through several statewide programs. Visit michiganimmigrant.org and michigansas.org for more information.

RESPONSIBILITIES: The paralegal will assist attorneys with their cases, will participate in office-wide projects and client services, and will eventually handle some cases on their own as a DOJ-accredited representative. Paralegals who were previously DOJ-accredited or had DOJ-accreditation applications pending will be expected to resubmit their applications as soon as possible after hire. 

QUALIFICATIONS: **Spanish language proficiency required**. An associate’s degree or commensurate professional experience is required; a bachelor’s degree is preferred. Applicants must possess excellent communication, collaboration, analytical, and problem‐solving skills as well as a demonstrated commitment to protecting the rights of immigrants or other persons in poverty. Candidate must be detail-oriented with strong organizational skills. Candidate must be proficient with major software and web services, including Word, Excel, G Suite, and have access to a reliable internet connection if they intend to work remotely some of the time. Applicants who have experience, especially related to immigration and poverty, will receive priority. Prior experience with immigration law preferred. Applicants who have relevant lived experience are encouraged to apply. All MIRC staff must reside in Michigan or Ohio by the first date of employment. 

BENEFITS: This is a full-time position with a starting salary of $ 45,000 based on years of relevant experience. MAP offers a generous benefits package including life, short- and long-term disability, health, vision, dental, and flexible spending accounts. If staff do not require health benefits, they have the option to take an annual $1,500 payout in addition to the base salary paid over the course of the year. MAP also has a generous leave policy allowing staff to accrue 3 weeks paid vacation the first year and 15 paid holidays, as well as a 401(k) retirement plan including employer match for eligible staff after 6 months of employment. MAP is a qualifying employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

TIMEFRAME: Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until positions are filled, with a goal of onboarding all new MIRC hires once a month.

HOW TO APPLY: Please complete this application and submit your resume and cover letter. You can also access the application by copying and pasting the following web address into your browser: https://miadvocacy.bamboohr.com/careers/205.

The Michigan Statewide Advocacy Services (MSAS) is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.