Paralegal- Statewide Expunction

$36,500 - $36,500/Yr

Legal Aid Of Northwest Texas - Odessa, TX

Full-time - Entry Level

Remote - Odessa, 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/remote capacity across multiple locations in Texas, including Dallas, Fort Worth, Denton, McKinney, Lubbock, Amarillo, Midland, and Odessa. The ideal candidate will possess 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 eligibility criteria, providing paraprofessional legal services in civil and family law cases. Your role will involve conducting client intake, 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 and assist attorneys in representing clients effectively. This position requires a detail-oriented individual who can manage multiple tasks while adhering to the ethical standards set forth by the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct and the American Bar Association. In addition to your core responsibilities, you will be expected to develop specialized skills in your assigned areas, stay updated on legal developments, and maintain a working knowledge of relevant laws and procedures. You will also have the opportunity to engage in training programs and contribute to the overall mission of LANWT by advocating for the rights of low-income individuals. This role is crucial in ensuring that clients receive the legal assistance they need to navigate the complexities of the legal system.

Responsibilities

• Assist clients under the supervision of licensed attorneys in civil and family law cases.
• Conduct client intake by answering calls and screening applicants for eligibility.
• 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.
• Maintain accurate and organized records and files for cases and projects assigned.
• Participate in outreach and community legal education to inform clients and community groups.
• Investigate and develop cases, including conducting necessary interviews and making referrals.
• Translate for clients who speak a different language than their advocate, if applicable.
• Report caseload statistics and activities 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 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.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office products and excellent computer skills.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining client confidentiality and integrity.
• Fluency in Spanish, both verbal and written, is preferred.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in public interest law or legal aid services.
• Knowledge of social service agencies and resources for low-income clients.

Benefits

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