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Community Legal Services · 2 days ago

Paralegal-Advocate Unit

Orlando, FL

Full-time

Onsite

Entry, Mid Level

2+ years exp

Community Legal Services (CLS) is a full service civil legal aid law firm that promotes equal access to justice for the most vulnerable individuals in society. They are seeking a service-minded, mission driven Paralegal to provide paraprofessional legal services to eligible clients under the supervision of an attorney.

LegalLegal TechProfessional Services

Diversity & Inclusion

Responsibilities

Assists clients within the entire Community Legal Services (CLS) service area which may require frequent travel throughout the CLS service areas for meetings

Completes Client Intake processes and determines client eligibility for legal services in accordance with program policies and procedures

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

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

Works jointly in partnership with supervising attorney on assigned cases

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

Maintains accurate, complete, well-organized electronic case/project records, files, and calendars

Performs legal research including use of computer-based databases, e.g., Thomson-Reuters/Casetext computerized practice software

Keeps abreast of new areas of the law, particularly areas of housing stability, income maintenance, access to justice, and other firm priorities

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

Participates in outreach to clients and community groups to strengthen community partnerships

As requested, participates in fundraising activities and public relations

May participate in the orientation and training of employees and volunteers, including law school interns

Actively participates in umbrella groups and task forces

Greets clients, applicants, and other visitors to the office in a courteous and polite manner

Answers telephones and refers callers to appropriate staff members, other CLS offices or other agencies, as appropriate

Opens and distributes mail and provides other clerical services, as necessary

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

Qualification

Paralegal certificationLegal Studies EducationLaw firm experienceMicrosoft Office SuiteBilingual (Spanish)Customer service skillsOrganizational skillsCommunication skillsSelf-motivated

Required

Commitment

Demonstrating commitment to promoting the mission, vision, and values of CLS

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

Commitment to continued learning and training

Legal Studies Education and/or Paralegal certification

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

Excellent phone and in-person professional customer service ability required, with superior organizational and highly polished communication and writing skills

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

Microsoft Office Suite proficiency required

Valid Florida license, use of own auto, and proof of insurance necessary to perform duties and attend meetings and/or other functions throughout 12 county service area

Ability to work independently and to travel; possibility of working weekends and evenings

Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer

Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times

Preferred

Experience with executing strategic plans preferred

Florida Notary a plus

Bilingual (Spanish; spoken and written fluency) preferred

Benefits

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!

Company

Community Legal Services

Community Legal Services (CLS) has approximately 110 lawyers, advocates, and support staff working to provide civil legal aid for low to moderate income residents in Central Florida at NO COST.

Founded in 1966

Orlando, Florida, USA

51-200 employees