Paralegal- Statewide Expunction

$36,500 - $36,500/Yr

Legal Aid Of Northwest Texas - Midland, TX

Full-time - Entry Level

Remote - Midland, 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 work environment across multiple locations in Texas, including Dallas, Fort Worth, Denton, McKinney, Lubbock, Amarillo, Midland, and Odessa. The ideal candidate will have a strong commitment to public interest law and will work under the direct supervision of licensed attorneys to provide essential legal services to low-income individuals across 114 counties in North and West Texas. As a Paralegal, you will be responsible for assisting clients who meet LANWT's priority criteria, providing paraprofessional legal services in civil and family law cases. Your role will involve conducting client intakes, drafting legal documents, filing pleadings, and maintaining organized case files. You will also participate in outreach efforts to educate clients and community groups about legal services, ensuring that you build strong relationships within the community. In addition to these responsibilities, you will be expected to develop specialized skills and knowledge in your assigned areas, stay updated on legal developments, and collaborate with attorneys to represent clients effectively. This position requires excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently while maintaining client confidentiality. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful work that directly impacts the lives of low-income individuals seeking legal assistance, making this a rewarding position for those passionate about public service and advocacy.

Responsibilities

• Assist clients under the supervision of licensed attorneys according to LANWT's policies and procedures.
• Provide paraprofessional legal services in civil and family law cases.
• Conduct client intakes and initial screenings, creating electronic client files.
• Draft pleadings, orders, letters, memos, and other legal documents.
• File legal papers at the courthouse or through e-filing, including setting hearing dates.
• Maintain accurate and organized records and files regarding cases and projects assigned.
• Participate in outreach and community legal education efforts as assigned.
• Investigate and develop cases, including conducting necessary interviews.
• Make referrals to appropriate alternative or additional sources of assistance.
• Translate for clients who speak a different language than their advocate, if applicable.
• Report caseload statistics and other information to supervisors regularly.
• Engage in occasional work-related travel as needed.

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.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to interact professionally and courteously with individuals at all levels.
• Excellent computer skills, particularly with Microsoft products.
• Ability to work independently and exercise good judgment while maintaining confidentiality.
• Fluency in Spanish, both verbal and written, preferred.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in public interest law or legal aid services.
• Knowledge of administrative and court rules of practice.

Benefits

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