Admin Assistant / Immigration Coordinator (London - German Speaker)

Are you a recent university graduate looking for a professional position where you can utilize your fluent German skills?  Are you interested in immigration and law? Are you in London?  We are seeking a fluent German speaker, with a university degree and entry level office skills, who is interested in a 6 month Fixed-term contract to join the German Immigration team in our London office!

Berry Appleman and Leiden's (BAL's) dedicated professionals share core values that support our mission to be the world’s most trusted resource for corporate immigration services. These values enable us to navigate every step of the immigration process and rapidly resolve even the most complex cases. The collegial environment is one that we cherish and work hard to maintain. To do that, we look for bright talent to deepen our experience and continue to deliver the exceptional service that our clients have come to expect. You too can join our mission!

The Immigration Coordinator (German Team) is responsible for providing general support to Immigration Advisors, Senior Immigration Advisors, Solicitors and Managers with a variety of tasks and activities. This person will begin to learn and understand the immigration process by assisting with case preparation and case management. He/she must project a professional image for the Firm through in-person and phone interaction.  The Immigration Coordinator is the entry level position in the Immigration Advisor pathway, will report directly to the Supervising Solicitor/Immigration Manager, and will work as an integral member of the team assisting with case preparation and case management. This position ensures that documents are accurately prepared to meet deadlines and to deliver client service to both external and internal clients (i.e. other Firm departments-when necessary).

Please note:

1. This posting is for an Immigration Coordinator, and it is initially a 6 months Fixed-Term Contract. 
2. Bilingual fluent or native German/English is required.
3. Applicants without a completed university degree, but fluent in German, will be reviewed for the Administrative Assistant position.
4. Global corporate immigration experience is a plus.
5. This position is located in the UK, at the BAL London office.
6. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the UK, as BAL will not be providing sponsorship for this position.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Counsel and respond to queries from human resources, managers and employees on all global immigration-related matters. This would include visa processing, documentation, visa options, risks, timelines, etc. 
• Prepare applications, letters, forms, etc. to obtain initial work permits, residence permits, and related documents and extensions of same
• Responsible for accurately maintaining our database to ensure all data is recorded and all appropriate actions are taken in a timely manner to pro-actively drive the case forward and keep the client and the BAL account manager updated in real time
• Maintain relationships with BAL’s global immigration service providers and ensure that employees are receiving quality service at all times 
• Update internal team on new immigration policies and procedures 
• Administrative duties associated with global immigration case management, including but not limited to: processing payments and/or reimbursements, processing invoices, requesting document verification letters, generating reports, and maintaining required legal documentation, etc.
• Interact with government officials or outsourcing partners at Embassies, Consulates, High Commissions, Visa Application Centers, county clerk, or US State level Secretaries of State; in person, by email, fax and phone as required.
• Perform other related duties as required/assigned in support of the firm.

Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent customer service skills

• Bilingual or native German language skills are required.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, analytical, problem-solving and verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to exercise tact and diplomacy in all dealings
• Must be able to multi-task and able to function effectively in a fast-paced environment 
• Must effectively participate in and facilitate in a oneBAL team environment
• Must have time management and prioritization skills 
• Must demonstrate strong organization skills 
• Must have keen attention to detail 
• Must think and act independently with professionalism, discretion and confidentiality

Experience:
• 1 year of office work experience 

• Immigration casework experience with corporate immigration (high volume caseloads with a fast pace) is a plus 

Minimum Education Level:

• Immigration Coordinator: Bachelor's degree or foreign equivalent 

• Administrative Assistant: High School diploma or some universty (no degree)

Required:
All candidates must be authorized to work in the UK. (BAL will not provide sponsorship for this position.)

Berry Appleman & Leiden is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of BAL to ensure an equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (with or without sexual conduct), age, disability, alienage or citizenship status, marital status, creed, genetic predisposition or carrier status, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by law. BAL prohibits and will not tolerate any such discrimination or harassment.