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Immigration Litigation Paralegal Jobs in Rochester, NY

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Immigration Litigation Paralegal information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$36K

$67.6K

$98.2K

How much do immigration litigation paralegal jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for immigration litigation paralegal in Rochester, NY is $67,583.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,700.00 and $77,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Immigration Litigation Paralegal vs Immigration Case Manager?

AspectImmigration Litigation Paralegal

Immigration Litigation Paralegals assist attorneys with preparing legal documents, conducting research, and managing case files related to immigration court cases. They typically have paralegal certifications and work in law firms or legal departments. Immigration Case Managers coordinate client intake, document collection, and case progress tracking, often with less legal research involved. They may not require formal legal certifications and work in immigration service organizations or legal clinics. Both roles support immigration processes but differ in legal responsibilities and focus areas.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an immigration litigation paralegal, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Immigration Litigation Paralegal, you need a strong understanding of immigration law, legal research, case management, and often a paralegal certificate or relevant experience. Familiarity with legal database tools like Westlaw or LexisNexis, e-filing systems, and case management software is typically required. Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and strong written and verbal communication help you excel in supporting attorneys and clients. These skills ensure accurate case preparation, compliance with court deadlines, and effective support in complex immigration matters.

What does an immigration litigation paralegal do?

An Immigration Litigation Paralegal assists attorneys with cases involving immigration disputes, removal (deportation) proceedings, and federal court litigation. Their responsibilities include preparing legal documents, conducting research, gathering evidence, and managing case files. They may also communicate with clients, courts, and government agencies to ensure all procedural requirements are met. This role requires a strong understanding of immigration law and excellent organizational skills to support complex, time-sensitive cases.

Are immigration litigation paralegals in demand?

Immigration litigation paralegals are in increasing demand due to the growing volume of immigration cases and complex legal procedures. They often require strong research skills, familiarity with legal software, and knowledge of immigration law to support attorneys effectively.

How to become an immigration litigation paralegal?

To become an immigration litigation paralegal, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some employers preferring postsecondary education or paralegal certification. Gaining experience in immigration law, developing strong research and organizational skills, and familiarity with legal software are important steps. Certification from professional organizations can enhance job prospects in this specialized field.

Is being an immigration litigation paralegal hard?

Immigration litigation paralegals often find the role challenging due to the complexity of immigration laws, strict deadlines, and the need for attention to detail. The job requires strong organizational skills, familiarity with legal procedures, and the ability to handle sensitive information efficiently.

What are some common challenges faced by immigration litigation paralegals, and how can they be managed?

Immigration Litigation Paralegals often navigate tight deadlines, shifting case priorities, and complex legal documentation. Managing multiple cases simultaneously requires strong organizational skills and attention to detail, as errors can affect clients' outcomes. It is common to handle sensitive client information and interact with individuals under stress, so clear communication and empathy are essential. Staying updated on immigration law changes and utilizing case management software can help streamline workflows and minimize errors.
What are popular job titles related to Immigration Litigation Paralegal jobs in Rochester, NY? For Immigration Litigation Paralegal jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Immigration Litigation Paralegal jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Immigration Litigation Paralegal jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Immigration Litigation Paralegal jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Immigration Litigation Paralegal job openings:
Immigration Litigation Paralegal jobs near you
Infographic showing various Immigration Litigation Paralegal job openings in Rochester, NY as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,583 per year, or $32.5 per hour.

Staff Attorney: Detained Immigration Program - Federal Litigation

Erie County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project

Batavia, NY • On-site

$77K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Important note: we require both a resume and a cover letter explaining your interest in this position to consider your application.
Full Time Staff Attorney: Immigration Program - Federal Litigation- Batavia NY Office
The Erie County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project (VLP) is seeking a full-time Staff Attorney to join its Immigration Program in their Batavia, NY office. This office handles work under a grant from the NYS Office of New Americans at the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility in Batavia. This is a public defender model program where we represent all low-income detained people that are facing deportation and are not otherwise represented.
VLP is a mixed-model civil legal services program that coordinates direct representation by pro bono attorneys and by our staff attorneys in our two locations: Buffalo and Batavia, NY. The Buffalo office handles a wide variety of civil legal services, with a focus on involving pro bono lawyers in the delivery of our services to clients. The Batavia office provides immigration representation to individuals detained in the Federal Detention Facility in Batavia, NY.
Duties/Responsibilities:
  • Handle individual caseload and represent low-income immigrants subject to removal in matters such as habeas petitions before the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York and petitions for review before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.
  • Represent low-income immigrants subject to removal in appeals before EOIR's Board of Immigration Appeals. The selected applicant may also handle matters before EOIR Immigration Courts.
  • Work collaboratively with attorneys, paralegals and social workers and act as an additional resource to them.
  • Maintain case files on VLP's case management system, including case notes updates, opening and closing cases.
  • Special projects/community outreach and education as directed.
  • Other duties may be assigned.

Requirements/Skills - Required:
  • Admitted to practice in good standing before the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York
  • Admitted to practice before the U.S. Court of Appeals of the Second Circuit or ability to gain admission within two months of commencing employment
  • At least three years' experience in federal litigation, preferably in immigration removal proceedings or related federal litigation
  • Organizational skills to juggle many cases efficiently while also being able to track and report required data about the work in a timely and accurate manner
  • Ability to work cooperatively with fellow staff and supervisors while also being able to work independently
  • Local travel to and from the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility, occasional trips to the Buffalo office and/or U.S. District Courts for the Western District of New York are required. A valid driver's license and regular access to a reliable vehicle are required.
  • Strong oral and written advocacy skills
  • Legal research software proficiency
  • We are a paperless office. The employee is required to use and maintain our electronic case management system (Legal Server) and successfully use other required technology, including but not limited to Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, and Excel). Experience with case management systems (especially Legal Server) and databases are preferred.
  • The desire to want a career in litigation defending low-income immigrants

Requirements/Skills - Preferred:
  • Fluency in Spanish or French

Salary/Benefits:
  • Salary ranges from $77,680 to $95,106 based on years of relevant work experience.
  • Employer paid benefits including 90% paid health insurance premiums, a Health Reimbursement Arrangement account, long-term disability insurance, life/AD&D insurance, Pension contributions, and an Employee Assistance Program
  • Other Benefits available through pre-tax employee contributions: Dental insurance, Vision insurance, FSA, Dependent Care FSA, transportation account, 403b plan
  • Eligibility for public service loan forgiveness
  • Dedication to diversity and inclusion
  • A respectful work environment with a true Work/Life balance:
    • 35 hour work work weeks
    • 18 paid holidays including the time between December 24 and January 1
    • 2 additional "sunshine" days off between Memorial Day and Labor Day
    • Accrue 11 vacation days and 2 personal days in year 1
    • Accrue 15 vacation days and 4 personal days in year 2 (vacation caps at 23 days starting in year 6)
    • Accrue 10 sick days each year
    • Flexible schedules
    • Ability to work remotely up to 2 days per week (after the successful completion of the 3-month introductory period)
    • Discourages weekend work, encourages utilizing PTO

Important note: we require both a resume and a cover letter explaining your interest in this position to consider your application.
VLP is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply. Employer recruits without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, immigration or citizenship status, pregnancy-related condition, predisposing genetic characteristics, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital and familial status, domestic violence victim status, disability, military status, or protected veteran status.
For information on VLP, see

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