Paralegal

ParalegalJob Description

Our mission at Utah Legal Services (ULS)is to provide high-quality civil legal aid without cost to people who are unable to afford legal representation or are facing disadvantages ensuring meaningful access to justice and promoting education stability safety and protection.Equal Justice Under Lawis one of our nations most basic principles. However economic realities often leave these promises unfulfilled. This is whereULScomes in. Since ourinceptionas a nonprofit in 1976weremaincommitted to making equal justice a reality by providing free services in civil legal matters. More than70attorneys and legal professionalsworking remote and in person deliver client services from four regional offices in Salt Lake City OgdenProvoand St. George. Join our team and help us level the playing field for low- incomeUtahns ensuring everyone has a voice in the legal system.

Job Summary

As a Senior Paralegal in ULSs Criminal Expungements Unit the position provides ethical and competent legal support to clients throughout Utah who have low-income or special vulnerabilities. The role supports meaningful access to equal justice through intentional excellence high-quality legal work and compassionate client service.

Primary duties and responsibilities include providing legal support on active cases working directly with clients collaborating with assigned attorneys maintaining accurate timekeeping and complying with applicable rules laws regulations ULS guidelines and LSC requirements. The position also includes regular communication with the manager as well as helping guide and mentor team members. As a Senior Paralegal the role involves managing an active caseload while providing high-quality legal services and contributing to the effectiveness and development of the team.

Job Duties andResponsibilities

Paralegal

• Attendandassistwithteam meetings that promote discussionabout administrative issueslegal skillsand professional development.

• Assistwith providingsubstantive training and coaching in basic litigation skills to developparalegaland prepare them for casework hearings and trial.

• Engage in active team building and create a positive work environment.

• Participate as a member of the hiring committee as requested by the HR Director.

• Provide coachingand mentoringtostaff as invited bymanagement.

Case Managementand Legal Work

• Use the ULS case management systemLegalServer to bill time manage clients and track caserelated tasks and deadlines fortimelycommunications services and representation.

• Follow case handling protocolsand best practices.

• Support a ULS attorney bymaintainingan average caseloadof60-120cases basedon the level of serviceand your other workloadand duties.

• Regularly and strategically review case status and tasks updating as needed.

• Review cases for Case ServiceReport (CSR) complianceand then properly closecases.

• Actively meet withyourassigned attorney to do case reviews and to make sure cases areproceedingtimely.

AdditionalTasks

• Maintain relationships with current community partners and develop new relationshipsthat will further ULSs mission and aid in improving the legal services we provide.This may include serving as a member of a Utah State Bar or Court Committee as an officer ofthe ParalegalDivision orAffinity Group or other committee as approved by the Director of Community Engagement and a member of the ULS Executive Team.

• AttendULS staffmeetings.

• Completeappropriate continuingeducation and certification requirements such as continuing legal education (CLEs).

• Participate inand developcommunity engagement efforts including at clinics community education classes and outreachto further ULSs mission andmaintainrelationships with community partners and stakeholders.

• Train and oversee volunteers as assigned.

• Other duties as assigned.

Skills and Abilities

• A strong commitment toassistingpeople with low incomes and special vulnerabilitiesand promoting meaningful access to civil legal justice
  

• Excellent interpersonal abilities.

• High verbal and written communication skills
  

• High levelof adaptability and ability to managestress.

• Self-motivated dependable detailed and accountable.

• Commitment and adherence to strictconfidentiality rules.

• Work experience in oneof the following legal areas is preferred: domestic law housing consumerprotection debt defense public benefits Native American lawormigrant worker law.

• Ability to communicate effectively with a broad range of diverse people ability culture and ethnic background tomaintaingood relationships.

Qualifications.

• Must be able to pass a Utah Criminal Record background check.
  

• Admissionto theUtah State BarParalegal Division(or the ability and plan toapplyas soon as possible).

• Possess extensive legal experience (often5 years).

• Demonstrate the ability to lead supervise and motivate others.

• Ability to analyze complex situations and make sound decisionstobenefitULS and our clients.
• Knowledge of or experience with Utahs criminal record expungement process is preferred.

Job Factors/Physical Requirement

• Must have a reliable mode of transportation. Occasional travel required as needed.

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk working on a computer.
  
• In person at a ULS office a minimum of one day per week.

Hourly Rate

• Paralegal range $24 - $28

FLSA Status

• Non-exempt full time

Reports to

• Managing Paralegal

Benefits

At Utah Legal Services we prioritize the well-being and success of our employees recognizing that a harmonious work-life balance is paramount. We empower our team members to tailor their schedules with flexible hours allowing them to effectively manage their professional commitments while nurturing personal and familial our commitment to inclusivity and accessibility we embrace a hybrid or remote work across all positions.

Moreover we understand that comprehensive benefits are essential in fostering a thriving workplace culture. Thats why we offer an extensive benefits package including:

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Employer-paid vision insurance
• Generous paid-time off (21 days per year) and increases on your first anniversary
• 13 paid holidays
• 403(b) retirement plan with a monthly employer match plus automatic monthly contributions
• Employer-paid short and long-term disability coverage
• 4 weeks paid parental leave
• Employer monthly stipend to assist staff with benefit cost.

By prioritizing employee well-being offering competitive benefits and embracing a flexible work environment we strive to create a workplace where every team member can thrive both personally and professionally.

To learn more about Utah Legal Services visit

Utah Legal Services believes that equal opportunityofall employees is important for the continuing success of our accordance with state and federal law this nonprofit will not discriminate against an employee or applicant for employment because of race disability color religion sex age national origin sexual orientation gender identity or expression or veteran status in hiring promoting demoting trainings benefits transfers layoffs terminations recommendations rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

Required Experience:

Senior IC