Paralegal Travel Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

The Westside Justice Center is growing and expanding its legal services team!

Unleash your advocacy skills and make a difference with the Westside Justice Center. Join our mission-driven team as an Immigration Paralegal and play a critical role in advancing access to justice for immigrant individuals and families navigating the U.S. immigration system.

Founded in 2015, the Westside Justice Center (WJC) is not just a workplaceit is a community-centered Legal Aid clinic committed to eradicating barriers to justice and uplifting authentic community leadership.
As an Immigration Paralegal, youll support our Legal Services team by assisting attorneys with U.S. immigration caseworkincluding family-based petitions, asylum applications, adjustment of status, citizenship/naturalization, and other humanitarian relief filings. Youll engage directly with clients, assist in case preparation, and help ensure that all filings meet the technical and procedural standards required under U.S. immigration law.
If youre passionate about social justice, immigrant rights, and empowering diverse communities, we invite you to join us.

Responsibilities

• Assist attorneys in preparing, organizing, and filing U.S. immigration applications and petitions
• Conduct intake interviews and gather supporting evidence (birth certificates, affidavits, country condition documents, etc.)
• Draft and proofread immigration forms, client declarations, and legal correspondence
• Conduct legal and factual research on immigration law, regulations, and USCIS procedures
• Track case deadlines, maintain case management systems, and monitor client communications
• Coordinate and track referrals to attorneys, partner organizations, and community service agencies
• Prepare case summaries, exhibits, and documentation for submission to USCIS, EOIR, and related agencies
• Support immigration workshops, community education events, and legal clinics as needed

Successful Candidates Will Possess

• Paralegal Certificate from an American Bar Associationapproved program (required)
• At least 2 years of experience in a legal setting, with direct immigration law experience in a nonprofit, law firm, or legal aid environment
• Strong working knowledge of U.S. immigration processes and filings (USCIS, EOIR, NVC)
• Proficiency in Haitian Creole, Spanish, or other languages spoken within African and Caribbean diaspora communities (such as Yoruba, Swahili, or Amharic) is highly preferred
• Exceptional attention to detail and ability to manage multiple active cases
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with diverse client populations
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively within a legal team
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with case management databases
• A deep commitment to WJCs mission of advancing justice and equity for underserved communities

NOTE: A copy of your professional license, academic transcripts, or relevant training certificates will be required at the time of interview, if applicable.

Benefits:

• Community Impact
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• 401(k) retirement plan

Work Environment

The work environment described here is representative of that an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation(s) may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• This job operates in a professional office environment. The role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones and photocopiers
• Ability to communicate verbally
• Ability to spend extended time working on a computer
• Occasional need for local travel for work-related reasons

Compensation

Actual compensation will be determined based on a wide array of relevant factors, including market considerations, organizational needs, and an individuals skills, experience, and qualifications. Target salary hiring range is $52,000 - $55,000.

Disclaimer

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties, requirements, or responsibilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an at will relationship.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Westside Justice Center is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and is committed to maintaining an inclusive environment free from discrimination and harassment.

We prohibit discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, transgender status, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, parental status, military service or discharge status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Consistent with our mission to advance justice and equity, people of color, women, LGBTQI-GNC individuals, immigrants, and formerly incarcerated people are strongly encouraged to apply.