The Harvard Immigration and Refugee Clinical Program (HIRCP) seeks a legal and communications assistant to support its work in two clinics: The Crimmigration Clinic and the Immigration and Refugee Advocacy Clinic. These clinics engage in litigation and advocacy at the forefront of immigration and asylum law and at the intersection of criminal law and immigration. This is a dual role with both legal assistant and communications responsibilities. The person in this role will assist HIRCP attorneys with a range of tasks, including organizing documents and managing case files, closing old case files, maintaining client records, preparing legal documents for filing with immigration court and administrative agencies, and writing press releases and newsletters.
Position Description
As a Legal and Communications Assistant you will:
Maintain client records and organize client case files, both paper and electronic; close out old client case files, enter client data into immigration case management system
Create new administrative systems for case files in electronic platforms, including SharePoint and document review systems and transition files from paper to electronic platforms, including LawLogix and SharePoint and LegalServer
Train staff and students on new file systems and case management
Draft documents such as closing letters
Work closely with attorneys, program administrator, and administrative assistant on assigned projects
Prepare legal documents for filing in immigration proceedings
Coordinate communications support, including newsletter, social media, website, and outreach
Provide general support to attorneys and perform other duties, as assigned.
Basic Qualifications
3 or more years of experience in office administration or related field (business environment and/or customer service). Education beyond high school may count toward experience.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
We are looking for people who have:
Familiarity with Microsoft Office suite, i.e., Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and data entry
Prior experience working in a legal setting (preferably prior immigration work experience)
Prior experience with communications, including website, social media, newsletters
Effective interpersonal and communications skills (written and verbal) and commitment to working in a team and creating an inclusive environment for all
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Capable of working in a fast-paced, deadline- driven environment; and
Flexibility and ability to adapt to changing needs
Additional Information
This is a one-year term appointment subject to funding and departmental need.
We regret that Harvard Law School is unable to provide visa sponsorship for staff positions.
All offers to be made by HLS Human Resources.
About Us
Be a part of excellence and leadership in legal education and scholarship at Harvard Law School. We are a community of talented people from diverse backgrounds, lived experiences, and perspectives, dedicated to advancing the cause of justice all over the world. We value our differences and our diversity as a source of strength. We are committed to developing and inspiring our students and our workforce. Whoever you are, whatever you do, however you do it, Harvard Law School is a place where you can thrive.
Benefits
We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:
Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.
LinkedIn Recruiter Tag (for internal use only)
#LI-TB1
Department Office Location: USA - MA - Cambridge
Job Code: 403033 Staff Assistant III
Job Function: General Administration
Work Format: On-Site
Sub Unit: ------------
Salary Grade: 053
Department: Harvard Immigration and Refugee Clinical Program
Union: 55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers
Time Status: Full-time
Pre-Employment Screening: Identity
Schedule: 35hrs/week, M-F
Commitment to Equity Diversity Inclusion and Belonging: Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.
EOE Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.
