Paralegal- Statewide Expunction

$36,500 - $36,500/Yr

Legal Aid Of Northwest Texas - Lubbock, TX

Full-time - Entry Level

Remote - Lubbock, TX

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas (LANWT) is seeking a dedicated and proactive paralegal for the Statewide Expunction Project. This full-time position is available immediately and can be performed in a hybrid or remote capacity across multiple locations in Texas, including Dallas, Fort Worth, Denton, McKinney, Lubbock, Amarillo, Midland, and Odessa. The paralegal will work under the direct supervision of a licensed attorney and will be responsible for assisting clients who fall under LANWT's set priorities, ensuring that all work is completed in accordance with the organization's policies and the ethical standards set forth by the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct and the American Bar Association. The paralegal's role includes providing paraprofessional legal services to eligible clients in civil and family law cases, conducting client intake, drafting legal documents, and maintaining organized records. The position also involves outreach and community legal education, assisting attorneys in representing clients, and developing specialized skills in areas relevant to LANWT's mission. The paralegal will be expected to keep abreast of changes in the law that may affect clients and to develop a working knowledge of relevant legal procedures. This role is crucial in ensuring that low-income individuals receive the legal assistance they need, and it offers an opportunity to make a significant impact in the community.

Responsibilities

• Assist clients under the supervision of a licensed attorney, ensuring compliance with LANWT's policies and ethical standards.
• Conduct client intake by answering calls, screening applicants, and creating electronic client files.
• Draft pleadings, orders, letters, memos, and other legal documents related to assigned cases.
• File legal papers at the courthouse or through e-filing, including setting hearing dates and interacting with court staff.
• Maintain accurate and organized records regarding cases and projects assigned.
• Participate in outreach and community legal education to inform clients and build relationships with community groups.
• Investigate and develop cases, including conducting interviews and making referrals to other resources.
• Translate for clients who speak a different language than their advocate, if applicable.
• Report caseload statistics and activities to supervisors regularly.
• Travel to administrative agencies and other locations as needed for case-related responsibilities.

Requirements

• Associate's degree and paralegal certification preferred.
• Prior legal services, public interest, or volunteer experience serving low-income persons 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 and exercise good judgment while maintaining client confidentiality.
• Fluency in Spanish, both verbal and written, preferred.
• Ability to engage in occasional work-related travel.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in public interest law or legal aid services.
• Knowledge of social service agencies and resources available to clients.

Benefits

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