Legal Assistant/DOJ Accredited Representative

Legal Assistant/DOJ Representative

Job Description:

The Center for Legal Immigration Assistance (CLIA) is seeking a dedicated Legal Assistant / DOJ Accredited Representative to join our legal team. This role offers a unique opportunity to support immigrants and refugees on their path to achieving the American Dream by providing high-quality legal assistance.

Legal assistants at CLIA are hired with the expectation of training—provided by CLIA—to become Department of Justice (DOJ) Accredited Representatives, non-attorneys authorized by the DOJ to provide immigration legal services based on their education and experience in immigration law.

Based in Lincoln, Nebraska, CLIA has been a grassroots organization for over 20 years, serving an average of 600 clients annually and more than 12,000 since our inception. We specialize in cases involving domestic violence and sexual assault and were among the first organizations in the state to assist clients in applying for U Nonimmigrant Visas. Additionally, we have successfully secured gender-based asylum claims for survivors of domestic violence.

Note: Legal assistants cannot provide legal advice until their DOJ Accreditation application is approved. All work will be conducted under the supervision of an attorney or a DOJ Accredited Representative.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct client interviews (via phone or in person), investigate case facts, and perform legal research to determine appropriate legal services.
• Provide legal advice and brief services under supervision to address client needs and assist with case preparation.
• Assist clients, particularly survivors of crimes, with immigration paperwork.
• Maintain and update case files in CLIA’s case management system, including documentation, notes, and timekeeping.
• Stay informed about available community resources for crime victims.
• Develop legal knowledge and skills through training, continuing legal education (CLE), and other professional development opportunities.
• Refer eligible clients to CLIA’s mental health therapists as part of our support services.
• Supervise non-DOJ Accredited Representatives or attorneys assisting with client cases.
• Assist with grant reporting in coordination with DOJ Accredited Representatives and the Executive Director.

Qualifications:

• Strong commitment to CLIA’s mission and vision.
• Prior experience in immigration law or the legal field is preferred.
• Excellent writing, research, analytical, and verbal communication skills.
• Passion for public interest legal services and advocacy for immigrant communities.
• Ability to work independently and manage projects efficiently.
• Experience working with diverse populations and clients in crisis or trauma situations.
• Public speaking, training, and community outreach experience is a plus.
• Proficiency in a second language is preferred but not required.

Salary & Benefits:

• Salary Range: $45,000 – $50,000, commensurate with experience.
• Health, Vision, and Dental Insurance.
• Paid time off: 3 personal days at the start, plus 80 hours of vacation after 3 months of employment.
• Holidays: A variety of paid holidays throughout the year.

To Apply:

Send resume, cover letter, and three references to Mary Choate, Executive Director (mary@clianeb.org). Position will remain open until filled.

*CLIA is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate in recruitment, selection, or advancement of employees on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information or on any other basis prohibited by law.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $45,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Preferred)

Work Location: In person