Legal Secretary - Statewide Expunction

$33,000 - $33,000/Yr

Legal Aid Of Northwest Texas - Dallas, TX

Full-time - Entry Level

Remote - Dallas, TX

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas (LANWT) is seeking a dynamic and self-starting individual to fill the position of Legal Secretary for the Statewide Expunction Project. This full-time role is available immediately and will be based in a hybrid/remote setting across multiple locations in Texas, including Dallas, Fort Worth, Denton, McKinney, Lubbock, Amarillo, Midland, and Odessa. LANWT is a non-profit public interest law firm dedicated to providing high-quality free civil legal services to low-income individuals across 114 counties in North and West Texas. The ideal candidate will have a strong commitment to public interest law and possess the vision and initiative necessary to support the legal team effectively. As a Legal Secretary, you will provide essential support to multiple full-time staff attorneys, which includes general secretarial duties, managing correspondence, preparing legal pleadings, filing documents, and offering translation and interpretation services to clients. You will ensure compliance with the Legal Services Corporation Act and LANWT's policies, while also maintaining confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions. Your role will involve accurate proofreading of legal documents, proficient use of MS Word processing software, and maintaining legal files and client records. You will also be responsible for filing legal papers at courthouses, setting hearing dates, and conducting client interviews both over the phone and in person. Additionally, you will monitor case statuses through the electronic case management system and provide backup support for other personnel as needed. This position requires a high school diploma or GED, fluency in Spanish (both verbal and written), and prior law office experience is preferred. The successful candidate will be detail-oriented, organized, and able to work independently while exercising good judgment. Excellent communication skills and the ability to interact professionally with a diverse population are essential. Occasional work-related travel may be required, and a strong attendance record is expected.

Responsibilities

• Provide general secretarial support to multiple full-time staff attorneys.
• Prepare legal documents and correspondence through typing and transcribing.
• Proofread correspondence, pleadings, and reports in draft and final form.
• Utilize MS Word processing software, databases, and LANWT's electronic case management system proficiently.
• File legal papers/pleadings at the courthouse or through e-filing, including setting hearing dates.
• Conduct client interviews by phone and in person.
• Maintain legal files and client records, including tickler systems, calendaring, and time-keeping system.
• Translate for clients who speak a different language than their advocate, if applicable.
• Monitor and maintain case status through the electronic case management system.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism toward clients, visitors, and other employees.

Requirements

• High School Diploma, GED or equivalent.
• Fluency in Spanish - both verbal and written is required.
• Prior law office experience in the capacity of secretarial support is preferred.
• Ability to communicate and interact in a professional and courteous manner with a diverse population.
• Detail-oriented, efficient, organized, and self-motivated.
• Ability to establish priorities and meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Excellent computer skills with use of Microsoft products preferred.
• Ability to work independently and exercise good judgment and discretion.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with electronic case management systems.
• Knowledge of legal terminology and procedures.

Benefits

• Dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Health insurance