Legal Assistant
About This Position
The International Institute of Minnesota is committed to providing accessible, low-cost legal services for immigrants and refugees, particularly in complex and challenging immigration cases. Approximately 70% of Institute households earn less than 200% of the federal poverty level and look to Institute for trustworthy and accessible legal services at a nominal fee. To advance this objective, we are expanding our legal team by hiring a Legal Assistant. The Legal Assistant will provide critical administrative, research, and client support to ensure efficient case preparation, accurate filings, and accessible legal services for immigrants and refugees. This role will support the work of the two Immigration Services attorneys, ensuring that individuals facing difficult immigration issues receive high-quality, affordable representation, and support.
DEPARTMENT: Legal Assistant
REPORTS TO: Director of Immigration Services
Salary range: $52,000-$56,000
FLSA Status: 1.0 FTE
Closing Date: Open until filled
Former refugees, New Americans and people of color are highly encouraged to apply.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
- Support attorneys and accredited representatives with preparation of immigration forms, documents and correspondence for immigration cases
- Conduct factual and legal research related to immigration-related caseload to ensure timely and complete filings
- Manage client intake and eligibility screening for immigration services appointments, provide case updates, answer procedural questions
- Ensure operational efficiency by tracking deadlines, managing calendars, and handling administrative tasks that increase the program’s capacity to serve more clients effectively
- Process USCIS (immigration) notices and perform accurate data entry into agency CRM database
- Maintain electronic and physical case files, ensuring confidentiality and adherence to data protection standards
- Advocate for culturally and linguistically diverse clients, delivering services in an inclusive and respectful manner
- Provide referrals for immigration legal and social services beyond program scope
- Attend monthly program meetings and all-staff meetings
- Support program outreach and education initiatives, including community information sessions, and “Know Your Rights” presentations
- Assist with program growth and innovation, aligning activities with the Institute’s mission and strategic goals
- Perform other duties as assigned
Experience and Qualifications
- B.A. in relevant field, equivalent extensive experience in immigration or legal services may be considered in lieu of a degree
- Previous work in immigration law or related field (with humanitarian focused cases preferred)
- Proficient in technology and digital tools, including maintaining databases and producing professional documents using Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook), Zoom, texting platforms, and other internet-based applications
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills with cross-cultural communication experience
- Ability to work collaboratively and enthusiastically with program staff as well as interns and volunteers
- Sensitivity to the needs and legal issues affecting people of diverse backgrounds and socioeconomic circumstances
- Ability to stay organized and manage a high-volume workload while working under strict deadlines within a fast-paced environment
- Must be a proactive, self-starter with a solution-oriented mindset, and a willingness to take initiative
- Fluent in English, both written and oral
Additional Requirements
International Institute of Minnesota values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBT individuals, New Americans apply. The Institute is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, or any protected category prohibited by local, state, or federal laws.
- Use of manual dexterity, tactile, visual, and audio acuity.
- Physical ability to perform tasks that may require prolonged standing, sitting, and other activities necessary to perform job duties.
- Occasional lifting (up to 25 pounds), bending, pulling, and carrying.
About Us
The International Institute of Minnesota is a dynamic organization that provides services to maximize the talents and opportunities New Americans bring to our state. The Institute assists low income New Americans in their transition to a new homeland by providing comprehensive services for successful integration. The Institute serves more than 4,000 New Americans annually with new arrival social services to employment placement and advancement through to U.S. Citizenship attainment. Programs are divided into three primary areas: Refugee Services, Education and Employment Training Services, and Immigration Services. The Institute also provides advocacy for policy reforms and supports systems change that improve opportunities for New Americans to move their lives forward.
Contact Us
Please call or email us if you have a question or need help with your employment application.
Dana Onato-Pannkuk
Human Resources Generalist
(651) 377-8614
donato-pannkuk@iimn.org
Job Application: Legal Assistant
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