Legal Assistant, Immigration Clinic

Founded in 1896, the Gould School of Law has a distinguished past built on the principles of equity and excellence, and the courage to break new ground. USC first introduced legal education in Southern California. Today, the Law School continues to make history through its philosophy of innovation and through its people. USC Gould cultivates analytical ability, ethical values, and a spirit of collegiality that prepare students for meaningful careers benefiting society. It was one of the first law schools to engage students in clinical programs and remains a leader in experiential education.

USC Gould School of Law is seeking applications for a full-time or part-time, one year fixed-term position for a Legal Assistant with the USC Gould School of Law Immigration Clinic. Contingent on funding, the position could be extended on an annual basis. (Position will be benefits eligible if hired with at least 50% full-time equivalency).

The Legal Assistant provides support to the teaching clinics and service projects of the Gould Immigration Clinic. Duties include supporting the Immigration Clinic's Group Habeas Project which is providing representation to individuals arrested by ICE / Border Patrol and who are held without bond during removal proceedings. The Legal Assistant will coordinate habeas referrals, gather required documentation and information from detained individuals and their attorneys, assist with preparation of habeas petitions, track outcomes and compliance with federal court habeas orders requiring bond hearings, and track the outcome of immigration court bond hearings. The Legal Assistant will work with and provide support to Clinic faculty, attorneys, and clinical law students.

The ideal candidate will have the following skills and experiences:

• excellent communication skills, written and verbal;

• strong organizational skills to manage and prioritize multiple projects and case work;

• ability to interact and engage with wide range of persons from diverse ethnic, cultural, and educational backgrounds;

• ability to plan, organize and execute activities to meet project objectives;

• experience in providing leadership and direction for day-to-day project operations and administrative activities;

• ability to work independently with minimal supervision in a fast-paced environment;

• proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, and data management systems.

• fluency in Spanish (strongly preferred);

• experience working on immigration issues.

Attention: Applications should include a resume and cover letter and should be submitted by 11/24/25. (Applications will be considered on a rolling basis so applicants are encouraged to apply before the deadline.) This position is being offered full-time or part-time and will be fixed-term for one year and may be extended contingent on funding.

The hourly rate range for this position is $30.77 - $35.90. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

Learn more about our benefits and perks here: https://employees.usc.edu/benefits-perks/

The Gould School of Law (Gould) considers candidates that demonstrate, through ideas, words and actions, a strong commitment to USC's Unifying Values. Gould holds a unique position in society, and within the university, as every aspect of these principles are influenced by and can be protected through legal rules and institutions. At Gould, we are proudly committed to maintaining a community in which each person respects the rights of others to live, work, and learn in peace and dignity, to be proud of who and what they are, and to have equal opportunity to realize their full potential as individuals and members of society.

Minimum Education:

High school or equivalent

Additional Education Requirements

Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education

Minimum Experience:

2 years

Addtional Experience Requirements

Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum work experience

Minimum Skills:

Legal secretarial experience/legal terminology/knowledge of court procedures.

Preferred Education:

Specialized/technical training

Preferred Experience:

3 years

USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email at uschr@usc.edu. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

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