Paralegal - LAYAC Hybrid/Remote

POSITION: Paralegal (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 Dallas.

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:

• Assist clients that fall under LANWT's set of priorities with appropriate attorney supervision.
• Provide paraprofessional legal services to eligible clients in accordance with the program's mission and priorities under the direct supervision of an attorney.
• Participate in outreach and community legal education to clients and community groups, as assigned by a supervisor to provide clients or others with information and assistance in program priority areas and to build a strong positive working relationship between the program and the client or community group.
• Conduct intake by answering and returning applicant and client calls, conducting initial client screening, referring clients who are ineligible for LANWT service to other resources or providers, and creating electronic and paper client files.
• Investigate and develop cases and projects assigned, including conducting necessary interviews.
• Develop a knowledge of, work with, and make referrals to social service agencies and other agencies that can help LANWT's clients.
• Draft pleadings, orders, discovery, letters, memos, and other written materials relating to assigned cases or projects.
• File legal papers and pleadings through e-filing, including setting hearing dates, and interacting with court staff, opposing parties and counsel and clients.
• Maintain accurate, complete, well-organized records and files regarding cases and projects assigned and calendaring events for staff.
• Provide support to pro bono volunteers.
• Translate for clients who speak a different language than their advocate (if applicable).
• Seek and accept supervision and guidance from supervising attorneys on cases and projects assigned.
• Participating in in-house training programs and staff meetings and activities.
• Report 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.
• Travel to administrative agencies and elsewhere in connection with the above responsibilities.
• 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 administrative and 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.
• Provide LANWT's Administrative Office with information on the nature and extent of services he/she provides.
• Utilize on an ongoing basis the electronic case management system and ensure data entered is accurate.
• Other responsibilities which the needs of the program may require and as assigned by a supervisor, Deputy Director or Chief Executive Officer.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate's Degree and paralegal certification is preferred.
• Two (2) years prior experience working as a paralegal preferred.
• Prior experience handling education, juvenile, public benefits and or license cases preferred.
• Candidate must be detail oriented, efficient, 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.
• Fluent in Spanish - both verbal and written is preferred.
• Ability to engage in occasional work-related travel.

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 a list of professional references during the application process.

LEGAL AID OF NORTHWEST TEXAS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
VETERANS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY