Job Description
POSITION: Paralegal - LASSA Project (Full-Time Position)
CLOSING DATE: Position Immediately Available and Closed When Filled
LOCATION: Hybrid/Remote Dallas, Texas
OVERVIEW: Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas (LANWT) seeks a dynamic, self-starting paralegal who has vision, initiative, and a demonstrated commitment to public interest law to fill a paralegal position in its Legal Aid for Survivors of Sexual Assault (LASSA) project.
DESCRIPTION: LANWT is a non-profit public interest law firm that provides high-quality free civil legal services to low-income persons in 114 counties in North and West Texas.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The paralegal, under the direct supervision of a licensed attorney will be assigned clients, tasks, assignments and projects with expectations that all work is to be completed in accordance with LANWT's policies and procedures and attorneys' responsibilities under the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct, Texas Lawyers Creed and the American Bar Associations Standards for Providers of Civil Legal Services to the Poor. Other responsibilities include:
- The paralegal is responsible for assisting clients that fall under Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas' (LANWT) set of priorities with appropriate attorney supervision.
- Conduct trauma informed, culturally competent intake by answering and returning calls; conduct initial client screening, referring clients who are ineligible for LANWT service to other resources or providers, and creating electronic case files.
- Creating paper and electronic client files in the electronic case management system, maintaining accurate electronic records for all client files, including, but not limited to, entering case notes, correspondence, scanning documents, filing and calendaring events.
- Drafting pleadings, orders, discovery, letters, memos, and other written materials relating to assigned cases or projects.
- File legal papers/pleadings at the courthouse or through e-filing, including setting hearing dates, and interacting with court staff, opposing parties and clients.
- Investigating and developing cases and projects assigned, including conducting necessary interviews.
- Design and carry out outreach and community legal education to clients and community groups.
- Provide paraprofessional legal services to eligible clients in accordance with the program's mission, principles of advocacy and program guidelines under the direct supervision of an attorney.
- Making and following up on the referrals of clients to appropriate alternative or additional sources of assistance.
- Maintaining accurate, complete, well-organized records and files regarding cases and projects assigned, including time records.
- Translating for clients who speak a different language than their advocate (if applicable).
- Seeking and accepting supervision and guidance from supervising attorneys on cases and projects assigned.
- Participating in staff meetings and in-house training programs and activities.
- Reporting caseload statistics and other information regarding his/her activities and advocacy to the immediate supervisor, Director of Litigation and/or Deputy Director on a regular basis or as requested.
- Develop a working knowledge of the law commensurate with his/her level of experience in areas of principal concern to LANWT's clients. Similarly, develop legal skills (such as fact gathering, research, writing and negotiation) and a knowledge of procedure (such as court rules of practice, discovery and pleading).
- Keep apprised of changes in the law and other issues that may affect LANWT's client population, and advise management and other staff of such issues.
- Develop a knowledge of, work with, and make referrals to partner agencies, social service agencies and other providers that can assist LANWT's clients.
- Other responsibilities which the needs of the program may require and as assigned by a supervisor.
QUALIFICATIONS: - Associate's Degree and paralegal certification is preferred.
- Prior experience in family and/or immigration matters preferred.
- Candidate must be detail oriented, organized and self-motivated.
- Ability to establish priorities and meet deadlines.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Ability to interact professionally and courteously with individuals at all levels.
- Excellent computer skills with use of Microsoft products preferred.
- Ability to work independently and exercise good judgment while maintaining client confidentiality, integrity, and discretion in the performance of all duties.
- Excellent attendance record.
- Ability to engage in occasional travel throughout LANWT's service area.
- Fluent in Spanish - both verbal and written is required .
SALARY: Current entry-level salary is $36,500 per year. The salary for the successful applicant may be significantly higher, based on applicant's years of experience. The paralegal is a non-exempt employee subject to state and federal wage and hour laws.
BENEFITS: Excellent benefits package that includes paid vacation and holidays; a retirement plan; health, dental, and life insurance.
Please submit a cover letter expressing interest, a resume, and three professional references during the application process.
LEGAL AID OF NORTHWEST TEXAS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER VETERANS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY
Job Tags
Holiday work, Full time, Immediate start,