Under the Supervision of an admitted attorney, the Legal Clerk (Legal Immigration) supports the provision of immigration legal services for low-income clients living with or affected by HIV. Working under the supervision of licensed attorneys, this position assists with client intake, legal documentation, case preparation, and program support activities that help ensure clients receive timely and culturally responsive legal services. 

The Legal Clerk contributes to GMHC’s mission by supporting access to justice through trauma-informed and culturally competent legal services tailored to the needs of GMHC’s client population. 

The Legal Clerk will work as part of an integrated model of care that centers client autonomy, encourages cross-departmental collaboration, and affirms the dignity and rights of individuals living with or affected by HIV. 

Essential Job Functions 

Note: During the part-time phase of this position, responsibilities may be performed on a limited or phased basis as the employee completes training and prepares to assume the full scope of duties when the role transitions to full-time. 

The Legal Clerk is responsible for the following: 

Client Legal Services 

• Assist with conducting client intake and legal needs assessments under the supervision of licensed attorneys. 
• Support the preparation of immigration filings and related documentation, including applications for asylum, employment authorization, naturalization, adjustment of status, and other immigration matters as appropriate. 
• Provide pro se assistance to clients on routine immigration matters under attorney supervision. 
• Assist with preparing documentation and supporting materials for immigration filings and case records. 
• Provide client-centered referrals and follow-up support to help ensure continuity of care and access to appropriate services.  

Community Education, Outreach, and Technical Assistance 

• Support the preparation and delivery of legal education and outreach presentations for clients and community members regarding immigration rights and available legal services. 
• Assist with outreach activities and coordination with community-based health and human service providers to facilitate referrals and service access. 
• Support walk-in clients and assist with scheduling and managing immigration-related appointments. 

Program Administration and Compliance 

• Maintain accurate and timely records of client services, case documentation, and service notes using internal databases and case management systems. 
• Assist in ensuring client files are complete and documentation meets funder and program reporting requirements. 
• Support the preparation of internal reports and data tracking related to program deliverables and service outcomes. 
• Contribute to ongoing data quality and documentation practices to help maintain program compliance and audit readiness. 

Internal Collaboration 

• Collaborate with legal and non-legal staff across programs to support coordinated client services. 
• Participate in team meetings, case discussions, and professional development opportunities to support learning and program operations. 

Special Skills and Knowledge The ideal candidate will demonstrate a combination of the following required and preferred competencies to succeed in this role: 

Required Qualifications: 

• Demonstrated interest in immigration law, public interest law, or legal services for underserved communities. 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, and community partners. 
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, maintain organized case documentation, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced service environment. 
• Demonstrated cultural competency in working with diverse populations, including LGBTQ+ individuals, low-income communities, immigrants, racial minorities, and people living with disabilities. 
• Fluency in both English and Spanish sufficient to meet the linguistic needs of GMHC’s client population. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Prior internship, volunteer experience, or coursework related to immigration law or legal services. 
• Experience working with nonprofit organizations, community-based service providers, or legal clinics serving vulnerable populations. 
• Experience supporting immigration filings such as asylum, naturalization, adjustment of status, or employment authorization applications. 
• Familiarity with trauma-informed approaches to legal services. 
• Knowledge of interdisciplinary service models that integrate legal, medical, and social services to support holistic client care. 

Education and Certification 

• Currently enrolled in a Juris Doctor (J.D.) Program at an accredited law school. 
• Coursework or academic concentration related to immigration law, human rights law, or public interest law. 

Technical Skills The ideal candidate should demonstrate the following technical competencies to effectively manage legal documentation, reporting, and service delivery: Microsoft Office and Excel Proficiency 

• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including: 
• Data tracking and analysis for case management and program performance. 
• Creating and maintaining spreadsheets to monitor client progress and service deliverables. 
• Using formulas, pivot tables, and data validation tools to ensure documentation accuracy, 
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including: 
• Outlook for email communications, calendar coordination, and client scheduling. 
• Word for drafting legal documentation, formal correspondence, and grant-related reporting. 
• PowerPoint for preparing outreach, training, or public education presentations. 

Case Management Systems and Data Entry 

• Experience using electronic case management or client documentation systems such as Clio, TREAT, AWARDS, AIRS, eCOMPAS, or similar platforms. 

Immigration Case Tracking Systems 

• Familiarity with or ability to learn immigration-related case tracking tools and online government portals, including: 
• USCIS Case Status Online. 
• EOIR (ECAS/Portal) systems. 
• DHS or Department of State case status tools 
• Ability to retrieve and document case updates and government communications to support legal case preparation. 

Documentation, Compliance, and Confidentiality 

• Strong documentation practices to maintain accurate case records, service notes, and supporting documentation. 
• Ability to follow established protocols related to client confidentiality, HIPAA requirements, and organizational documentation standards. 
• Attention to detail in maintaining records that support program reporting, compliance requirements, and audit readiness. 

Work Environment & Schedule This is a hybrid position that includes a mix of on-site and remote responsibilities: 

• Work schedule and on-site presence will be determined based on program needs and supervisor discretion. 
• Regular on-site presence is required for client appointments, team collaboration, case discussions, and internal meetings. 
• Remote work may be permitted for legal research, documentation, case preparation, and administrative responsibilities when appropriate. 
• Occasional travel within New York City may be required for court appearances, legal proceedings, outreach activities, or professional development opportunities. 
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings or modified hours may be required to support client needs, outreach activities, or program deadlines. 
• Participation in the annual AIDS Walk New York event is mandatory for all GMHC staff. 

Physical Demands While carrying out the responsibilities of this role: 

• The position is primarily office-based and sedentary, involving extended periods of computer use, phone communication, and virtual conferencing. 
• The staff member must be able to navigate a standard office environment and attend in-person meetings, court dates, or off-site events as needed. 
• This role includes direct interaction with clients who may be experiencing medical or emotional vulnerability, requiring a high level of empathy, patience, and emotional resilience to provide trauma-informed, client-centered legal support. 

GMHC supports a racial and gender-diverse environment which contributes to a positive and inclusive atmosphere. Working at GMHC requires a demonstrated awareness of communities that we serve, and we seek candidates who are dedicated to promoting equity and social justice.