Paralegal-Advocate Unit

Orlando, FL - USA

Monthly Salary: Not Disclosed

Posted on: Yesterday

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Be a part of an organization making a difference in the Central Florida community! As an Orlando Business Journals2021 Best Places to WorkHonoree Orlando Sentinels 2022 Best Workplaces Honoree and a SHRM Mental Health Ally Community Legal Services (CLS) is a full service civil legal aid law firm that promotes equal access to justice specifically for the most vulnerable individuals in our society.

CLS offers:

15 paid holidays and 24 days of paid time off
Excellent physical/mental health vision and benefits (With 95% of benefits paid for by company)
100% Coverage with Dental Benefits Life Insurance Long/Short Term Disability
100% 403B match after 1 year of employment (5%)
CLS pays Bar Dues and CLE Credits
Student loan reimbursement for Attorneys
Tuition Reimbursement
Ability to apply for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
Fantastic work-life balance
Various opportunities for upward mobility into leadership/more advanced roles
Pet Insurance
Wellness Committee dedicated to employee morale with events such as company wide retreats activities and challenges!

CLS is currently searching for a service-minded mission driven individual to fulfill the following position:

Paralegal -Advocate Unit

OVERVIEW

Reports to and receives general direction fromDirector of Advocacy Staff Attorney or designee the paralegal provides paraprofessional legal services to eligible clients in civiland other cases under the direct supervision of an attorney in accordance with the program mission and principles of advocacy other program guidelines the ABA Standards for Providers of Civil Legal Services and the Florida Rules of Professional Conduct.

RESPONSIBILITIES

clients within the entire Community Legal Services (CLS) service area which mayrequire frequenttravel throughout theCLS service areas for meetings.

Client Intake processes and determinesclient eligibility for legal services in accordance with program policies and procedures.

information interviews clients and witnesses; investigates and develops cases; prepares written reports to attorneys detailing the results of theinterview/investigation.

and follows up on referrals of clients to appropriate alternative or additional sources of assistance.

jointly in partnership with supervising attorney on assigned cases.

clients at administrative hearings within the guidelines governing advocacy by non-attorneys.

accurate complete well-organizedelectroniccase/project recordsfiles and calendars.

legal research including use of computer-based databases -Reuters/Casetextcomputerized practicesoftware.

abreast of new areas of the law particularlyareas of housing stability income maintenanceaccess to justice and other firm priorities.

process and executes appropriate affidavits of service; serves witness subpoenas and other papers as requested files legal papers with appropriate courts.

in outreach to clients and communitygroupsto strengthen community partnerships.

requested participates in fundraising activities and publicrelations.

participate in the orientation and training ofemployeesand volunteers including law school interns.

participates in umbrella groups and taskforces.

clientsapplicantsand other visitors to the office in acourteousand politemanner.

telephones and refers callers to appropriate staff members otherCLSoffices orother agencies asappropriate

distributesmail and provides other clericalservicesas necessary.

perform duties of the work of higher or lower classified positions as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

1. Commitment

commitment to promoting the mission vision and values ofCLS.

dedication to high-quality legal programs fiscal strength and organizational integrity.

to continued learning and training.

2. Background and Experience

Studies Education and/or Paralegal certification.

withexecutingstrategic plans preferred.

firm experience (2years) experience in support of litigation and commitment working with low-income and/or vulnerable clients and communities on civil legal matters also a plus.

Notary a plus.

(Spanish; spoken and written fluency) preferred.

phoneand in-personprofessional customer service ability required with superior organizational and highly polished communication and writing skills.

bea self-motivated professional and capable of independently managing workload and prioritizing tasks in a fast-paced legal environment with minimal supervision.

Office Suite proficiency required.

Florida license use of own auto and proof of insurance necessary toperform duties and attend meetings and/or other functions throughout 12 county service area.

to work independentlyand totravel; possibility of working weekends and evenings

3. Physical Requirements

a. Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

b. Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times.

STARTING SALARY: $50000 more with experience

GENERAL STATEMENT

CLSis an Equal Opportunity Employer: We value a diverse workforce and the promotion of inclusive culture at all levels.

CLSdoes not discriminate against any employee or qualified applicant for employment from all qualified individuals on the basis of age race color creed national origin ancestry marital or familial status affectional or sexual orientation gender identity or expression sex disability socio-economic position religion political belief protected genetic information military or veteran status or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal or State law.

The statements contained in this job description reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility. It should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance theworkload.

CLS offers:

15 paid holidays and 24 days of paid time off
Excellent physical/mental health vision and benefits (With 95% of benefits paid for by company)
100% Coverage with Dental Benefits Life Insurance Long/Short Term Disability
100% 403B match after 1 year of employment (5%)
CLS pays Bar Dues and CLE Credits
Student loan reimbursement for Attorneys
Tuition Reimbursement
Ability to apply for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
Fantastic work-life balance
Various opportunities for upward mobility into leadership/more advanced roles
Pet Insurance
Wellness Committee dedicated to employee morale with events such as company wide retreats activities and challenges!