Habeas Project CoordinatorParalegal
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Job Location:
Albuquerque, NM - USA
Monthly Salary:
Not Disclosed
Posted on:
4 days ago
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
New Mexico Immigrant Law Center (NMILC) is seeking a Habeas Project Coordinator/Paralegal
Job Title:HabeasProject Coordinator/Paralegal
Reports to: Deportation Defense Managing Attorney
Location:Albuquerque Santa Fe Las Cruces(Hybrid)
The New Mexico Immigrant Law Center (NMILC) works to advance justice dignity and equity for immigrants in New Mexico through high-quality legal services advocacy and community partnerships. NMILC envisions a state where immigrants can live and thrive free from fear with access to their rights and opportunities to shape their futures.
Position Overview
The Habeas Project Coordinator supports the coordination growth and implementation of the New Mexico Habeas Project whichseeks to expand access to relief in federal court for individuals in ICE custody. This non-attorney position playsa central rolein managing referralsmaintainingcommunication with partner organizations and pro bono attorneys and ensuring the smooth administration of habeas-related cases and resources.
Thecoordinatorwill work closely with staff attorneys program partners and volunteer attorneys to ensure efficient caseassignment quality training andaccuratedocumentation of case progress.
Key Responsibilities
- Review and process referrals from partner organizations; obtainadditionalinformation and help assessviablehabeas cases for the NM Habeas Project.
- Collect organize andmaintainmaterials such as templates training guides sample filings and practice advisories related to habeas petitions.
- Maintain organized and up-to-date records of referrals case assignments and pro bono attorney placements.
- Assistwith recruiting training andretainingpro bono attorneys for the Habeas Project.
- Assign habeas cases to pro bono attorneysmonitorcase progress andmaintaincommunication throughout the cases duration.
- Increase capacity for conducting both remote and in-person intakes for detained individuals including coordination of cases suitable for pro bono representation.
- Strengthen referral networks by coordinating case referrals with other organizations (e.g. Immigrant Justice Corps ACLU-NM).
- Provide administrative and logistical support to NMILC staff attorneysrepresentingdetained clients.
- Participate in rapid-response and community legal clinics during times of increased enforcement activity offering Know Your Rights (KYR) information and orientation for families of detained individuals.
- Maintain knowledge of relevant immigration and post-conviction procedures; support continuous improvement of project systems and training materials.
Optional Responsibilities (Upon DOJ Accreditation)
If the program requires and theCoordinatorobtains DOJ Fully Accredited Representative statusadditionalresponsibilities may include:
- Conducting legal consultations for individuals in ICE custodyregardingimmigration options or post-conviction relief.
- Representingdetained individuals in bond hearings and before ICE.
- Offering consultations at legal clinics about eligibility for lawful immigration status.
Qualifications
- Bachelors degree or equivalent professional experience in a related field (e.g. political science criminal justice social work or legal studies).
- Strong organizational communication and project management skills.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks in a deadline-oriented environment.
- Experience working with diverse communities including immigrants or detained populations preferred.
- Prior experience coordinating pro bono or volunteer programs is a plus.
- Commitment to social justice immigrant rights and collaborative teamwork.
- Fluency in Spanish preferred but not.
- Willingness to pursue DOJ accreditation if program needsrequireit.
Compensation and Benefits
- Starting Rate: $25.00/hour (full-time non-exempt) with upward adjustments for additional relevant experience.
- Health Insurance:100% of individual employee premium paid (base plan); 50% for dependents. Buy-up plan available.
- Retirement:Access to 401K plan with discretionary employer match up to 10% of base salary (based on annual funding projections).
- Flexible Spending Account:Optional for medical/dependent care costs.
- Work/Life Balance:
- Flexible schedule and hybrid remote work options.
- 15 paid vacation days (3 weeks) annually.
- 1 earned sick leave hour per 30 hours worked.
- Company-paid federal holidays plus 2 weeks winter break 1 week spring break 1 week summer break and additional days aligned with local public-school schedules.
NMILC is committed to fostering a positive work/life balance recognizing that supporting staff well-being enables the best service to our communities.
Required Experience:
IC
Key Skills
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Word
- Visio
- Microsoft Powerpoint
- Microsoft Excel
- Project Management
- Sharepoint
- Project Management Software
- Microsoft Project
- Administrative Experience
- Project Coordination
About Company
The New Mexico Immigrant Law Center's mission is to advance justice and equity by empowering low-income immigrant communities through collaborative legal services, advocacy, and education in New Mexico.
