Legal Assistant

SUMMARY

The Immigration Legal Assistant provides comprehensive administrative, litigation, and case management support to Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) handling immigration-related matters, including habeas corpus (2241) litigation. This position is responsible for maintaining case files, preparing legal documents, filing court pleadings, coordinating with federal agencies, managing case calendars, conducting legal research support, and ensuring compliance with court procedures and Department of Justice requirements. The role requires exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, discretion, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced legal environment.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Immigration Litigation Support

• Prepare and file legal documents related to immigration litigation, including Designations of Counsel and consent forms in accordance with office procedures.

• File pleadings and other court documents through PACER and electronic filing systems.
• Maintain electronic case files and docket folders, ensuring all filed documents are properly saved and organized.
• Monitor immigration case notifications, temporary restraining orders (TROs), and court orders.

• Track and update case information, including attorney assignments, filing dates, case numbers, and response deadlines.

• Maintain litigation calendars and monitor critical court deadlines.

• Coordinate communications with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), AUSAs, and other stakeholders regarding case developments.

• Review declarations and supporting documentation for completeness and proper formatting.

• Organize and prepare exhibits, supporting documents, and court filings.

• Generate and finalize Tables of Contents and Tables of Authorities for court submissions.

• Redact Personally Identifiable Information (PII) in compliance with court orders and applicable regulations.
• Support case closure activities, including preparation of closing documentation and records management activities.

General Legal and Administrative Support

• Prepare correspondence, reports, legal memoranda, and other documents.

• Arrange official travel, including travel authorizations and vouchers using the E2 travel system.

• Establish, organize, and maintain legal and administrative filing systems.
• Search legal reference materials and case records to obtain information requested by attorneys.
• Verify legal citations using Westlaw, PACER, LexisNexis, and other approved legal research tools.

• Scan, Bates stamp, encrypt, and distribute discovery materials in accordance with Department of Justice policies.

• Coordinate scheduling of court reporters, interpreters, witnesses, and related resources.
• File documents electronically with Federal District Courts and Courts of Appeals.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate's degree, paralegal studies, legal studies, or related field preferred.

• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in a legal, government, administrative, or similar professional environment.

• Experience supporting litigation, legal document preparation, court filing, records management, or case administration preferred.

• Experience working with federal court systems, immigration law matters, or government agencies is highly desirable.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of legal terminology, court procedures, and litigation support processes.

• Working knowledge of immigration-related legal procedures and federal court filing requirements.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Adobe Acrobat, and other office productivity software.
• Familiarity with legal research and case management systems, including PACER, Westlaw, and LexisNexis.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong proofreading, editing, and document formatting abilities.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.