Paralegal

POSITION: The Michigan Immigrant Rights Center (MIRC) is seeking candidates for short-terms positions as Paralegals serving low-income immigrants in their immigrational legal services needs. There are positions open in our Detroit, Ypsilanti, Lansing, Kalamazoo, and Grand Rapids office and will last through September 29, 2025. This is a chance to join a talented team doing important and challenging work at a critical time.

DESCRIPTION OF PROGRAM: MIRC is a legal resource center for immigrant communities. The three pillars of our work are: (1) direct legal services, (2) systemic advocacy, and (3) community education and engagement.  MIRC is part of Michigan Statewide Advocacy Services (MSAS), a non-profit law firm providing free legal services to individuals and families with low-income, Michigan’s immigrant communities, older adults and adults with disabilities through several statewide programs. Visit michiganimmigrant.org and michigansas.org  for more information.

RESPONSIBILITIES: The paralegal will assist attorneys with their cases, will participate in office-wide projects and client services, and will eventually handle some cases on their own as a DOJ-accredited representative. Paralegals who were previously DOJ-accredited or had DOJ-Accreditation applications pending will be expected to resubmit their  applications as soon as possible after hire.

QUALIFICATIONS: An associate’s degree or commensurate professional experience is required; a bachelor’s degree is preferred. Applicants must possess excellent communication, collaboration, analytical and problem‐solving skills as well as a demonstrated commitment to protecting the rights of immigrants or other persons in poverty. Candidate must be detail-oriented with strong organizational skills. Candidate must be proficient with major software and web services including Word, Excel, G Suite, and have access to a reliable internet connection if they intend to work remotely some of the time. Applicants who have experience, especially related to immigration and poverty, will receive priority. Prior experience with immigration law preferred. Spanish language proficiency required. Applicants who have relevant lived experience are encouraged to apply.  All MIRC staff must reside in Michigan or Ohio by the first date of employment. 

BENEFITS: This is a full-time position with a starting salary range of $ 45,000 based on years of relevant experience. MAP offers a generous benefits package including life, short- and long-term disability, health, vision, dental and flexible spending accounts. If staff do not require health benefits, they have the option to take an annual $1,500 payout in addition to the base salary paid over the course of the year. MAP also has a generous leave policy allowing staff to accrue 3 weeks paid vacation the first year and 13 paid holidays, as well as a 401(k) retirement plan including employer match for eligible staff after 6 months of employment. MAP is a qualifying employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

TIMEFRAME: These positions are part of the restoration of funding for unaccompanied children, which currently is set to end on September 29, 2025. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, with a goal of onboarding all hires within the month of June.

HOW TO APPLY: Please complete this application and submit your resume and cover letter. You can also access the application by copying and pasting the following web address into your browser: https://miadvocacy.bamboohr.com/careers/194. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the positions are filled.

The Michigan Statewide Advocacy Services (MSAS) is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.