Legal Secretary - Statewide Expunction

$33,000 - $33,000/Yr

Legal Aid Of Northwest Texas - Denton, TX

Full-time - Entry Level

Remote - Denton, 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 can be performed in a hybrid/remote capacity across multiple locations in Texas, including Dallas, Fort Worth, Denton, McKinney, Lubbock, Amarillo, Midland, and Odessa. As a non-profit public interest law firm, LANWT is 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 demonstrated commitment to public interest law and possess the vision and initiative to support the legal team effectively. In this role, the Legal Secretary will provide essential support to multiple full-time staff attorneys. Responsibilities will include general secretarial tasks, managing correspondence, preparing legal pleadings, filing documents, and providing translation and interpretation services to clients. The Legal Secretary will ensure compliance with the Legal Services Corporation Act and LANWT's policies and procedures, while also maintaining confidentiality and professionalism at all times. The position requires proficiency in Microsoft Word and the ability to accurately proofread legal documents and correspondence. The Legal Secretary will also be responsible for filing legal papers at the courthouse, setting hearing dates, and interacting with court staff, opposing parties, and clients. Client interviews, both by phone and in person, will also be part of the duties, along with maintaining case status through the electronic case management system. The successful candidate will be detail-oriented, organized, and self-motivated, with excellent communication skills and the ability to work independently. This position offers a salary of $33,000 per year, with the potential for a higher salary based on the applicant's experience. LANWT provides an excellent benefits package, including paid vacation and holidays, a retirement plan, and health, dental, and life insurance.

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.
• Interact with court staff, opposing parties, and clients as needed.
• Conduct client interviews by phone and in person.
• Provide translation for clients who speak a different language than their advocate, if applicable.
• Maintain legal files and client records, including tickler systems, calendaring, and time-keeping system.
• Monitor and maintain case status through the electronic case management system.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism toward clients, visitors, and other employees at all times.
• Perform any other duties assigned by the Managing Attorney, Deputy Director, and Chief Executive Officer.

Requirements

• High School Diploma, GED or equivalent.
• Fluent 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 in the performance of all duties.
• Ability to engage in occasional work-related travel.
• Excellent attendance record.

Nice-to-haves

• Prior law office experience in the capacity of secretarial support is preferred.

Benefits

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