Paralegal- HCPB Hybrid/Remote

$36,500 - $36,500/Yr

Legal Aid Of Northwest Texas - Fort Worth, TX

Full-time - Entry Level

Remote - Fort Worth, TX

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas (LANWT) is seeking a dedicated and proactive paralegal to join its Fort Worth office in a full-time capacity. This position is hybrid/remote, allowing for flexibility in work location while still providing essential legal services to low-income individuals across 114 counties in North and West Texas. The ideal candidate will possess a strong commitment to public interest law and demonstrate initiative and vision in their work. As a paralegal, you will work under the direct supervision of a licensed attorney, assisting clients with various legal matters, including civil and family law cases. Your role will involve conducting client intakes, drafting legal documents, and maintaining organized case files, all while adhering to the ethical standards set forth by the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct and the American Bar Association. In this position, you will be responsible for providing paraprofessional legal services to eligible clients, which includes outreach and legal education to community groups. You will assist attorneys in representing clients, conducting necessary interviews, and developing cases. Your duties will also include filing legal documents, setting hearing dates, and interacting with court staff. The paralegal will be expected to maintain accurate records, report on caseload statistics, and participate in training programs and staff meetings. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to develop specialized skills and knowledge in areas relevant to LANWT's mission, ensuring that you remain current on legal developments that affect the client population. This role requires a detail-oriented and organized individual who can work independently while exercising good judgment and maintaining client confidentiality. Fluency in Spanish is preferred, as you may be required to translate or interpret for clients. The position offers a competitive salary starting at $36,500 per year, with the potential for higher compensation based on experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental, and life insurance, as well as a retirement plan.

Responsibilities

• Assist clients under the supervision of a licensed attorney, providing paraprofessional legal services in civil and family law cases.
• Conduct client intakes by answering calls, screening applicants, and creating electronic client files.
• Draft pleadings, orders, letters, memos, and other written materials related to assigned cases or projects.
• File legal documents at the courthouse or through e-filing, including setting hearing dates and interacting with court staff.
• Maintain accurate and organized records and files regarding cases and projects assigned.
• Provide outreach and legal education to clients and community groups as assigned by a supervisor.
• Investigate and develop cases, including conducting necessary interviews and following up on client referrals.
• Translate/interpret for clients who speak a different language than their advocate, if applicable.
• Participate in in-house training programs and staff meetings, reporting on caseload statistics and activities regularly.
• Develop a working knowledge of the law and legal skills relevant to LANWT's client population.

Requirements

• Associate's Degree and/or paralegal certification is preferred.
• Prior legal services, public interest, or volunteer experience serving low-income persons preferred.
• Experience handling consumer or debt collection cases and/or credit reporting preferred.
• Detail-oriented, organized, and self-motivated with the ability to establish priorities and meet deadlines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to interact professionally and courteously with individuals at all levels.
• Strong computer skills, particularly with Microsoft products.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining client confidentiality and integrity.
• Fluency in Spanish, both verbal and written, is preferred.
• Ability to engage in work-related travel.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in public interest law or legal aid organizations.
• Familiarity with Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct.
• Knowledge of administrative and court rules of practice.

Benefits

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