Senior Paralegal (Job ID: 2023-3205)

Join one of the most influential, most quoted and most trusted think tanks!  

The Brookings Institution is a nonprofit public policy organization based in Washington, DC. Our mission is to conduct in-depth research that leads to new ideas for solving problems facing society at the local, national and global level.  

We bring together leading experts in government and academia from all over the world, rooted in open-minded inquiry and representing diverse points of view, who provide the highest quality research, policy recommendations, and analysis. Research topics cover a full range of public policy issues in economics, foreign policy, development, governance and metropolitan policy. 

With fair and transparent business practices, clear communication, mutual respect, and a collaborative atmosphere that offers both professional and personal development opportunities, Brookings offers an inclusive and welcoming workplace that values the efforts of all contributors. 

The Office of the General Counsel supports the work of the Institution through facilitating the legal and ethical pursuit of its objectives, managing legal issues when they arise, and serving as a resource to Brookings stakeholders.  

Position Location: This position is hybrid. Hybrid positions combine regular in-person presence at our Washington, DC office with the option of at least two days of remote work each week.  

Vaccine Policy: Brookings requires all staff to submit proof of complete vaccination against COVID-19 to be in Brookings buildings.   

Individuals that (i) have a qualifying medical condition that contraindicates a COVID-19 vaccination, or (ii) who object to being vaccinated based on a sincerely held religious belief, may request a reasonable accommodation.  Brookings policies on masks and other pandemic mitigation measures will continue to be informed by DC and CDC guidelines.    

Ready to contribute to Brookings success? 

The Senior Paralegal provides legal support to the Institution as an important member of the Office of the General Counsel (OGC). The Senior Paralegal is responsible for the initial review and drafting of contracts for OGC as well as providing visa and immigration services across the Institution. The Senior Paralegal is also responsible for developing and conducting trainings on matters such as visa and immigration and contract drafting and review. The Senior Paralegal also supports OGC staff in reviewing proposals and reports. The individual must be a citizen or legal permanent resident of the United States as required by U.S. Department of State’s Exchange program regulations for Responsible Officers and Alternate Responsible Officers (22 CFR 62.9(g)). Please note: This position is based in Brookings’s Washington, DC office.

Contracts and Trainings (50%)

• Regularly reviews contracts, MOUs, NDAs and other legally binding agreements routed for review and approval pursuant to Brookings policies and procedures;
• Engages with program and business unit staff to assess contract needs and draft initial agreements;
• Supports OGC in the negotiation and editing of agreements and documents;
• Assists OGC in reviewing proposals and reports;
• Supports the routing process for contracts;
• Maintains OGC intranet site and regularly updates contract templates;
• Develops and conducts regular trainings on contract matters.

Management of Visa and Immigration Matters (40%)

• Works with Human Resources, outside law firms and potential visa-holders to process employment-based nonimmigrant visas (including H-1B and O-1 visas) and employment-based permanent residency petitions;
• Provides ongoing support and advice to the Brookings-related individuals holding the visas;
• Consults on appropriate visa status options for individuals seeking employment-based nonimmigrant visas;
• Manages Brookings’s participation in the U.S. State Department’s Exchange Visitor program, including completing annual reports and the biennial re-designation process;  
• Processes and supports Brookings-related exchange visitors (J-1s research scholar) and any relevant dependents, including maintaining their visa record;
• Serves as Exchange Visitor Responsible Officer or Alternative Responsible Officer and trains other alternate responsible officers;
• Corresponds with relevant government agencies regarding visa-related inquiries and audit requests;
• Provides regular updates on visa and immigration matters to stakeholders (e.g., a regular newsletter);
• Develops and conducts regular trainings on visa and immigration matters;
• Updates and interprets the Institution’s Immigration Policy;
• Maintains visas intranet site and electronic folders;
• Maintains public inspection files according to Department of Labor regulations;
• Assists the OGC in drafting and revising institutional policies impacting foreign nationals and/or expatriated employees;
• Keeps apprised of legal (including agency and consulate) and regulatory visa and immigration developments and communicates them to stakeholders.

General Support (10%)

• Assist in the Institution’s annual insurance renewal process and other insurance matters as needed;
• Responsible for managing certain Institutional policies, including the Congressional Testimony Policy;
• Lead and support special projects (e.g., completing annual EU Transparency Register);
• Provide other duties as needed.

Ready to make an impact? In this role, you will support Brookings values of collegiality, respect, inclusion, diversity and community, and bring the following qualifications: 

Education/Experience Requirements: 

Qualifications Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience required.  Minimum three years of related work experience in a fast-paced, professional work environment, preferably in a legal department/law firm, and/or professional services firm or nonprofit organization that supports international students, scholars and/or foreign employees. Paralegal certificate and prior experience reviewing contracts preferred.  Prior J-1 experience using SEVIS and serving as a RO, A/RO, or P/DSO in an academic environment as well as experience with diplomatic visas highly preferred. Superior desktop personal computer skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and Outlook including the calendar feature, Word, PowerPoint, etc.) required. Experience with collaboration and Project Management tools or applications (SharePoint, MS Project, Office 365, etc.) highly preferred.

The individual must be a citizen or legal permanent resident of the United States as required by U.S. Department of State’s Exchange program regulations for Responsible Officers and Alternate Responsible Officers (22 CFR 62.9(g)).

Knowledge/Skill Requirements:

Requirements include experience in visa and immigration cases, including an understanding of best practices in immigration, visa regulations, and risk and compliance concerns; Experience reviewing MOUs, NDAs, vendor agreements and various other contracts;  Excellent written and oral communication skills; acute attention to detail; Tech savvy; knowledge of relevant technical regulations and administrative processes related to J-1, F-1, H-1B, TN visas as well as immigrant visas and labor certifications; A tactful and mature demeanor with ability to interact with all levels of internal and external stakeholders; high degree of professionalism with discretion and the ability to maintain confidentiality of highly-sensitive information; excellent organization and coordination skills with a high commitment to customer service; ability to multitask and meet multiple deadlines and work well under pressure;  a demonstrated ability to work independently as well as with a team.

Additional Information: 

What can we offer you? Brookings provides a generous benefit package that is comprehensive and includes both traditional benefits and unique offerings. 

Brookings requires that all applicants submit a cover letter and resume. Please attach your cover letter and resume as one document when you apply. Please note: if you have applied to more than one Brookings job opening you should add a position-specific cover letter as a separate attachment. 

Successful completion of a background investigation is required for employment at Brookings. 

Brookings welcomes and celebrates diversity in all its forms.  We welcome applications that reflect a variety of backgrounds based on ideology, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, first generation college goers, and other factors protected by law. Brookings is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace.