Legal Assistant

Business: Hake & Schmitt Attorneys at Law

Location: Westminster

FULL TIME • PERMANENT

Business Product/Service: Legal services

Business Address:
2 Locust Lane, Ste. 203
Westminster, Maryland 21157

Phone: (410) 635-3337

Contact Name: Kim Stenley
Title: Legal assistant
Email: kim@jvisausa.com
Website: www.jvisausa.com

Job Description

A small immigration law firm in Westminster, Maryland, is growing and seeks a full-time legal assistant to work as part of a team helping clients from around the world.

The law firm currently concentrates on persecution and hardship waivers for J-1 visa holders and other U.S. immigration actions. Most clients are medical doctors or academics who are pursuing advanced studies, training, and research.

The legal assistant will have varied responsibilities, but must be steadfastly focused on helping the law firm to best serve clients through highly customized work that addresses their individual backgrounds and current situations.

This work involves developing the strongest possible evidence to support applications to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services and the U.S. Department of State. As the law firm expands its services, there will be other opportunities to work with the attorneys.

The legal assistant is expected to represent the law firm with professionalism and integrity, and maintain strict confidentiality of organizational and client information.

This is a 40-hour per week position, and employees are expected to work in the office full time.

Job Requirements

■ Communicate in English with clients by email or phone or, very occasionally, in person.

■ Work with the clients, and the assigning attorney, to develop application packages for review by a federal adjudicator. This includes filling out multiple government forms and assembling accompanying evidence, including affidavits, letters of support, articles, reports, social media printouts, and essential documents. Applications must be: clear, complete, correct, and compelling.

■ Examine and assess evidence provided by the clients and, when needed, inform the assigning attorney of deficiencies. Obtain additional documentation to bolster the evidence package.

■ Proofread and edit affidavits and catalogue evidence. Write narrative summaries of evidence provided in support of the affidavits, and highlight information by identifying and excerpting key information in the evidence.

■ Do online research and fact-checking.

■ Make copies of lengthy applications, both paper and PDF.

There may be other duties, including of an administrative nature, and duties are subject to change.

Skills and qualifications:

■ Associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree. Previous legal experience not required.

■ Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and professional demeanor.

■ Detail-oriented and highly organized critical thinker.

■ Strong ability to work efficiently and effectively.

■ Demonstrated ability to work independently while also contributing to a team effort and being receptive to supervisory guidance/direction.

■ Basic computer proficiency, including knowledge of Microsoft Word and Adobe. WordPerfect is used by the law firm, too, and will be taught as needed.

Other Job Requirements
AA Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Medium Lifting, Sedentary

Wages per hour: $40,000 starting
Number of openings: 1
Overtime: NO
Benefits: YES
The law firm provides opportunities for paid time off through holidays, vacation leave, sick leave, and personal leave. In addition to a salary, paid every other week, eligible employees can earn quarterly bonuses and participate in 401(k) plan and profit sharing. Medical insurance is not provided.

Days of Work:
MONDAY 9 am to 5 pm  TUESDAY 9 am to 5 pm  WEDNESDAY 9 am to 5 pm  THURSDAY 9 am to 5 pm  FRIDAY 9 am to 5 pm
Shift:

How to Apply: Please send resume and cover letter to kim@jvisausa.com with “Legal Assistant” in subject line.
Willing to Train: YES
Experience Required: NO
Experience in Months:
Minimum Age: 21 & over
Closing Date: 08/30/2024