Immigration Paralegal

Job Summary

Gibson Dunn is a leading global law firm, advising clients on significant transactions and disputes. Our exceptional teams craft and deploy creative legal strategies that are meticulously tailored to every matter, however complex or high-stakes. The firm’s work is distinguished by a unique combination of precision and vision.

Based in our Los Angeles office, the Immigration Paralegal will be responsible for providing critical support to attorneys in all phases of humanitarian immigration matters. This role is ideal for a candidate with substantial experience who is ready to take on complex assignments, manage high-volume caseloads, and collaborate directly with clients and government agencies.

This role reports to the Manager, Paralegal Services and Pro Bono Chair.

Responsibilities include:

• Assisting attorneys in preparing, compiling, and filing applications for humanitarian immigration benefits before USCIS and EOIR. This includes, but is not limited to: Asylum (I-589), Adjustment of Status (I-485), Naturalization (N-400 / N-600), EADs (I-765), Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (I-360), U and T visas (I-918), Humanitarian Parole (I-131), and Temporary Protected Status (I-821).
• Monitoring pending immigration cases and utilizing the firm’s case management systems to track and manage all critical deadlines, NIV expirations, and filing windows.
• Reviewing and analyzing immigration mail from USCIS and EOIR on active matters; providing a daily digest to the legal team and flaging upcoming deadlines or required actions.
• Serving as a primary point of contact for immigration clients; communicating fluently in Spanish (written and oral) to gather needed information, providing status updates, and explaining complex procedural requirements.
• Maintaining oversight of internal templates, relevant training materials, and procedural updates (such as changing signature and fee requirements); responding to attorney inquiries regarding the same.
• Assisting in preparing “punch lists” and evidence packages for client interview preparation before immigration authorities.
• Applying a deep understanding of legal and ethical principles, including attorney-client privilege, confidentiality, and avoiding the unauthorized practice of law (UPL).
• Accurately entering and closing time entries in the firm’s time recording system and performing other duties as assigned to support the Pro Bono department.

Qualifications

• Fluency in Spanish (written and oral) is strictly required to effectively communicate with the firm’s immigration client population.
• Exceptional ability to prioritize a diverse caseload, remain calm under pressure, and meet strict deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills with the ability to interface effectively with all levels of personnel and external clients.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze procedural updates and problem-solve in connection with complex humanitarian matters.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Adobe Acrobat.
• Experience with immigration case management software is preferred.
• Ability to work overtime as necessary to meet filing deadlines.

Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university required; Paralegal Certificate preferred.
• Minimum 5–7 years of immigration experience, with a strong preference for candidates with a background in humanitarian pathways (Asylum, U/T Visas, TPS) within an AmLaw 100 firm or specialized immigration practice.

 

Gibson Dunn will consider for employment qualified Applicants with Criminal Histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of local law.

Compensation & Benefits:

The annual compensation range for this position is $90 – 110k. The salary offered within this range will depend upon qualifications and other operational considerations.

Benefits offered for this position include health care; retirement benefits; paid days off, including sick time, and vacation time; parental leave; basic life insurance; Flexible Spending Accounts; as well as discretionary, performance-based bonuses.

Location:

Los Angeles

EEO Statement

Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity for all partners, employees and applicants and, in accordance with the applicable federal and state laws, does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, creed, color, religion, matriculation or political affiliation, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, ancestry, age, marital status or partnership status, family responsibilities, disability, medical condition, personal appearance, genetic information, predisposing genetic characteristics, sexual orientation, military status, status as a victim of domestic violence, stalking and sex offenses, arrest or conviction record, or on any other basis prohibited by law.