Legal Secretary

$33,000 - $33,000/Yr

Legal Aid Of Northwest Texas - Abilene, TX

Full-time - Entry Level

Remote - Abilene, 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 in its Abilene office. This full-time role is essential in 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 will be responsible for supporting multiple full-time staff attorneys with various administrative and legal tasks. The position is hybrid/remote, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements. As a Legal Secretary, you will play a crucial role in ensuring compliance with the Legal Services Corporation Act and LANWT's policies and procedures. Your responsibilities will include general secretarial support, preparing legal documents and correspondence, proofreading legal pleadings, and maintaining accurate records. You will also be tasked with administrative duties such as managing office supplies, maintaining petty cash, and coordinating travel arrangements for the branch office. Additionally, you will be responsible for filing legal papers at the courthouse, conducting client interviews, and providing translation services for clients who speak a different language than their advocate. This position requires excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, as well as proficiency in word processing software and electronic case management systems. The successful candidate will be detail-oriented, organized, and able to work independently while exercising good judgment. A high school diploma or GED is required, and fluency in Spanish is preferred. The entry-level salary for this position is $33,000 per year, with the potential for a higher salary based on experience. LANWT offers an excellent benefits package, including paid vacation and holidays, a retirement plan, and health, dental, and life insurance.

Responsibilities

• Provide general secretarial support for multiple full-time staff attorneys.
• Prepare legal documents and correspondence through typing and transcribing.
• Proofread correspondence, pleadings, and reports in draft and final form.
• Use word processing software, databases, and LANWT's electronic case management system proficiently and accurately.
• Perform administrative duties such as reconciliation of branch office accounts and ordering supplies.
• Maintain legal files and client records, including tickler systems and calendaring.
• File legal papers/pleadings at the courthouse or through e-filing and interact with court staff.
• Conduct client interviews by phone and in person.
• 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 and colleagues.

Requirements

• High School Diploma, GED or equivalent.
• Fluency in Spanish - both verbal and written is preferred.
• Prior law office experience in a secretarial support capacity is preferred.
• Ability to communicate and interact professionally with a diverse population.
• Detail-oriented, efficient, organized, and self-motivated.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Excellent computer skills, particularly with Microsoft products.
• Ability to work independently and exercise good judgment.
• Ability to engage in occasional work-related travel.
• Excellent attendance record.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with legal terminology and procedures.
• Familiarity with electronic filing systems.
• Knowledge of legal research tools.

Benefits

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