Paralegal, Duke School of Law

Duke University:

Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is regarded as one of America’s leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

DUKE LAW SCHOOL

 Paralegal

The Paralegal position supports the Immigrant Rights Clinic at Duke Law School providing paralegal, instructional, and administrative support.

Work Schedule

Full-time 40-hour/52-week position; 3-year funded position with renewal contingent on available funding.

Work Performed

• Paralegal functions (80%) will include, for example, preparing immigration forms and supporting documents for attorney review, determining court requirements for filing in federal and administrative immigration courts and agencies; drafting legal documents in compliance with federal and local rules; communicating with clerks of court and agency staff regarding filing, logistical, and other questions; finalizing and filing court briefs and other court documents; assisting with document review and research; finding copies of public records from local, state and federal agencies; attending hearings; handling exhibits; other tasks as needed.  In addition, the paralegal will maintain secure paper and electronic files on CLIO according to established office protocol and procedures, and streamline office operations.  The paralegal may also serve as a point-of-contact for clients.

• Instructional support functions (10%) will include setting up course websites using Canvas; scanning course materials; conducting course evaluations; and working with students to coordinate meetings and submission of assignments.  Instructional support includes helping students learn how to prepare and file documents.

• Administrative functions (10%) will include organizing and calendaring meetings, appointments, and deadlines; maintaining Bar membership and CLE records for faculty; maintaining accurate time-tracking records; participating in staff meetings and class meetings; arranging travel plans; and planning, coordinating and implementing program activities and events, as needed.

The above description of responsibilities is not an exhaustive list, but is representative of the duties of the position. There may be other duties as assigned by the supervisors.

Education and Training

Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent combination of relevant education and professional experience. Requires broad general knowledge in the legal and/or medical field.

Preferred Associate Degree in NC Paralegal Studies and broad general knowledge in the legal field

Experience

Two years working in related field. 

Experience Preferred:

At least five (5) years of experience with immigration legal service provider is preferred.

Experience in program administration or academic/instructional activities is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred:

• Strongly preferred broad general knowledge in the field of immigration.
• Strongly preferred Spanish language fluency.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented with good problem-solving skills.
• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook, and CLIO case management software; experience using Adobe Pro is desirable; ability to learn new programs quickly.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, including proofreading skills.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and discretion, make decisions, and exercise good judgment.
• Ability to maintain good relationships and communicate effectively with court staff, co-workers, faculty, and students.
• Capacity to take ownership of assigned projects, manage and prioritize various work assignments, work effectively under deadline pressure. 
• Resourceful and able to effectively solve problems and manage conflicting demands.
• Flexibility to adjust work plan according to clients’ changing needs, court schedules, and adapt to changing work assignments.

Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position of USD $60,328.00 to USD 94,000.00. When extending an offer, Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills, internal peer equity, and market and organizational considerations.

Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your paycheck. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/.

Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends onthe robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.