Practice Legal Support Specialist

Work Arrangement: Reports to the office five days a week and occasionally conducts in-person transactions with government agencies, as required.

POSITION SUMMARY

Provide advanced support, guidance, and expertise to the Immigration Practice Group Lawyers, Immigration Manager, Practice Legal Specialists (PLS), and other team members to ensure the delivery of high-quality legal immigration services to clients.

Serve as a liaison between clients and government offices, representing the firm in all immigration-related matters and applications.

Prepare and submit visa applications, work permits, and other immigration-related applications to relevant government agencies (e.g., Bureau of Immigration, Bureau of Internal Revenue, Department of Labor and Employment, Philippine Economic Zone, etc.).

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage multiple complex cases while prioritizing tasks and deadlines.
• Liaise and collaborate with government offices, representing the firm in interactions with government agencies, outside counsel, and clients.
• Serve as the point of contact for clients, communicating about requests for information, legal immigration case status, and immigration procedures on a case-by-case basis through phone, email, or in-person interactions. Provide advice and information to clients as needed.
• Draft responses to client emails and correspondence related to immigration queries under the supervision of the manager or lawyer.
• Work closely with attorneys, as well as international and national clients, to gather and organize supporting data and documents for case preparation.
• Conduct in-depth research on immigration laws and government regulations to ensure updated knowledge.
• Maintain and monitor immigration services, rules, procedures, and filing fees to guarantee proper document preparation and filings.
• Collaborate with the Immigration Practice Group, co-paralegals, and staff regarding immigration and administrative tasks for the practice group, providing instructions and advice on applications and work to be performed.
• Perform duties such as preparation, review, compilation, filing, follow-up, and release of applications as necessary with respective government offices (DOLE, Bureau of Immigration, PEZA, DFA, PRA, BOI, BIR, LGUs, etc.).
• Represent and assist clients with the Bureau of Immigration and PEZA during hearings for visa applications, fingerprinting, and/or exit interviews.
• Draft and revise request letters, affidavits, and any additional documentary requirements mandated by DOLE, Bureau of Immigration, PEZA, DFA, PRA, BOI, BIR, LGUs, etc., in accordance with recent updates and changes under the supervision of an attorney.
• Draft, review, and edit sophisticated legal immigration documents and motions for reconsideration for clients under the supervision of an attorney.
• Monitor the status and follow up on all work permit, visa applications, and related immigration concerns, ensuring timely releases.
• Maintain and monitor deadlines, updating and reporting on cases and trackers for clients.
• Work outside normal office hours and facilities as needed for any outbound applications or filings.
• Update personal trackers for documents processed and filed within the day.
• Prepare and submit liquidation of revolving fund.
• Perform other related duties as assigned periodically.

REQUIREMENTS OF THE JOB

EDUCATION

College graduate in Law / Business Administration / Liberal Arts or related field

EXPERIENCE

At least three (3) to five (5) years of work experience. Preferably with related work experience in transacting with Bureau of Immigration, DOLE and other government agencies.

SKILLS / COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

• With Management/Supervisory skills and experience
• Knowledgeable and familiar with immigration and employment laws/rules
• Knowledgeable about the procedures and documents used by various government agencies, particularly the Bureau of Immigration and the Department of Labor and Employment
• Strong planning and organizing skills
• Possesses basic research skills
• Effective communication skills (both oral and written) and ability to foster good relationships with key stakeholders (both internal and external)
• With a keen eye for details, a team player and flexible
• Ability to work with minimal supervision
• With time management skills and has the ability to organize multiple tasks and work under pressure
• Proficient in writing/drafting reports, memos, and other related documents
• Competent in using MS Office applications and databases to manage and administer paralegal work

ABOUT QUISUMBING TORRES

For more than five decades, we have helped top multinational and domestic companies drive their growth in the country. We provide global reach with deep local roots, delivering exceptional and effective legal advice and assistance to clients across borders seamlessly.

In 1963, the Firm was established as Collas and Guerrero, and later became known as Quisumbing Torres.

As part of Baker & McKenzie's global network with more than 12,000 people in 77 offices in 47 countries, we offer market insight and international experience that few firms in the Philippines can match.

With our team of more than 50 Philippine lawyers, we are a full-service firm, advising clients in the Banking & Finance, Corporate & Commercial, Dispute Resolution, Employment, Immigration, Intellectual Property, and Tax practice areas. More specifically, we are able to deliver industry-specific advice on:

• Aviation, Aerospace & Defense
• Chemicals and Plastics
• Construction & Building Materials
• Consumer Goods & Retail
• Energy & Utilities and Climate Change
• Financial Services
• Food & Beverage
• Hotels, Resorts & Tourism
• Infrastructure
• Insurance
• Information Technology
• Manufacturing & Wholesale
• Media & Entertainment
• Mining & Metals
• Oil, Gas & Petrochemicals
• Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare
• Real Estate (including REITs)
• Services (including Outsourcing)
• Telecommunications
• Transportation & Logistics