Paralegal - Immigration Division
Harris CountyAbout the role
Posting number: 17125
Department: Public Defender's Office
Job classification: Paralegal
Posting type: Open
Categories: Legal, Attorney
Summary
Responsible for handling all aspects of their assigned cases including but not limited to:
About the Harris County Public Defender's Office (HCPDO):
The Harris County Public Defender's Office (HCPDO) is one of the largest public defender offices in the nation, employing more than 350 professionals, including over 200 attorneys. Our office provides client-centered, holistic representation to individuals accused of criminal offenses in Harris County through interdisciplinary teams that include attorneys, investigators, social workers, mitigation specialists, psychologists, client advocates, paralegals, and administrative professionals. HCPDO is committed to providing high-quality legal representation and advancing excellence in indigent defense through client-centered representation and interdisciplinary advocacy.
Position Overview:
The Immigration Division supports defense counsel in identifying and addressing potential immigration consequences related to a client's criminal case. The Paralegal supports this work by coordinating immigration referrals, gathering immigration histories from clients and their families, accessing relevant records and immigration systems, and assisting the Division with case-related and administrative needs.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Responsible for handling all aspects of assigned duties, including but not limited to:
- Manage intake of immigration referral requests from defense counsel for advisal memoranda assignment.
- Process referrals in the case management system.
- Communicate with clients and/or client family members to obtain immigration histories.
- Act as a liaison between defense counsel and the Immigration Division Chief.
- Accompany Immigration Specialists to the jail to communicate with clients, when necessary.
- Assist Immigration Specialists in obtaining client immigration histories.
- Navigate the Harris County District Clerk's website to access public information.
- Communicate with Harris County Sheriff's Office Central Records Sergeants to obtain ICE detainers, when necessary.
- Connect clients and client family members with local nonprofit immigration legal service resources.
Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx
If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net.
This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.
Examples of duties
Education and Experience:
An Associates degree or higher in Paralegal Studies from an accredited college or university and
Relevant experience.
OR
Paralegal Certificate and
Relevant experience.
OR
Bachelor’s degree in legal support services/legal studies from an accredited college or university and
Relevant experience.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Adobe Acrobat.
- Organizes and prioritizes multiple projects simultaneously to maintain a high level of productivity.
- Meets and prioritizes deadlines.
- Makes effective and efficient use of time in carrying out responsibilities.
- Is familiar with and adheres to established rules for professional conduct.
- Willing to learn new duties, approaches, and routines.
- Communicates with persons inside and outside of the organization in a prompt, positive, and professional manner.
- Recognizes public service as a high calling.
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