The Removal Defense Legal Assistant works under the oversight of DOJ-accredited staff and attorneys to support community members by providing comprehensive immigration support in the Central Valley. As a team member on the removal defense team, their workload will primarily consist of removal defense cases, with some affirmative immigration work as assigned. Job duties will include providing information and referral services, conducting intakes, consultations, education, outreach, etc., related to various immigration legal processes.
The Education and Leadership Foundation provides low cost or free immigration services that include: Asylum/Withholding/CAT, Cancellation of Removal, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), Adjustment of Status, Consular Process, DACA Applications, Naturalization, Acquisition and Derivation of Citizenship, Legal Permanent Resident Renewals, Advance Parole, Parole in Place, U-VISA, VAWA, and other similar benefits.
Duties/Responsibilities
- Intake, Assessment, & Case Management– Conduct detailed intakes and legal screenings to determine eligibility for relief in removal proceedings and for affirmative immigration benefits, primarily focusing on removal defense matters as assigned.
- Removal Defense Application Preparation & Court Support – Assist in preparing court filing, including applications, motions, declarations, evidence packets, and other immigration court submissions under the supervision of DOJ Accredited Representatives or Attorneys.
- RFE, NOID, & FOIA Requests – Prepare legal documentation and other highly sensitive materials to support Requests for Evidence (RFEs), Notices of Intent to Deny (NOIDs), FOIA requests, etc.
- Immigration Court, USCIS & Deadline Coordination – Monitor client court dates, filing deadlines, biometrics appointments, and USCIS requirements to ensure timely and compliant submissions.
- Affirmative Application Preparation & Filing – Assist in preparing and submitting applications such as Adjustment of Status, Consular Processing, DACA, Naturalization, TPS, U-Visas, VAWA, and LPR Renewals.
- Case Tracking, Documentation & Legal File Management – Maintain highly organized physical and electronic case files, update case management systems, and ensure complete documentation for court and agency review.
- Client Communication & Evidence Follow-Up – Maintain ongoing communication with clients to gather supporting documentation, explain case progress, and prepare them for hearings, interviews, and appointments.
- Legal Research & Case Preparation Support – Conduct legal and country-condition research and assist representatives/attorneys with declarations, exhibits, and case theory development.
- Legal Mail, Correspondence & Database, and Admin Support – Provide administrative support with case organization, documentation, mail, etc. Review and route immigration court notices and USCIS correspondence, ensuring all case updates are accurately reflected in client databases.
- Workshops, Legal Clinics & Community Education – Support removal defense legal clinics, group processing workshops, and know-your-rights presentations for community members.
- Translation & Document Review (Spanish/English) – Translate client documents, declarations, and supporting evidence between Spanish and English as needed.
- Time, Workflow & Deadline Management – Prioritize urgent court matters while managing a high-volume caseload with accuracy and efficiency.
- Public Engagement & ELF Representation – Represent ELF at community events, advocacy efforts, and stakeholder meetings related to immigrant legal services.
- Ethical & Professional Responsibility – Uphold DOJ accreditation standards, client confidentiality, and professional ethics in all casework.
- Process Improvement & Best Practices Development – Identify and implement improvements to case workflows, documentation practices, and client service systems.
- Professional Growth & DOJ Accreditation – Pursue Department of Justice (DOJ) Accreditation as soon as reasonably possible while in the role, utilizing available organizational training and support to complete the process.
Salary Range: $21.00 - $24.50 Hourly
Posted: February 18, 2026