Paralegal - Disaster Legal Services

Paralegal Position at Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc.

Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. (FRLS) is a non-profit law firm that provides free civil legal aid to eligible individuals, families, and vulnerable communities across 13 Florida counties, as well as to farm workers statewide. Since 1966, FRLS has been dedicated to justice, offering legal services in housing law, family law, consumer protection, public benefits, elder law, disaster relief, education law, and more—at no cost to our clients. FRLS partners with community organizations and pro bono attorneys to provide quality advocacy, outreach, and education aimed at protecting the rights of those in need. For over 50 years, FRLS has been a steadfast advocate for justice.

FRLS is seeking to hire a paralegal to join our team of legal researchers. You will be supporting the Disaster Legal Services work by preparing documents like affidavits and legal correspondence, as well as organizing and maintaining files. You will also be asked to file pleadings with court clerks and help prepare for trials by organizing exhibits and assisting with other tasks as required. To be successful in this role, you will need to be proficient with Microsoft Office applications such as Word and Excel. You will also need to be able to multitask effectively and essentially thrive in a busy, team-oriented environment.

Essential Functions

• Preparing affidavits, legal correspondence, and other documents for attorneys.
• Organizing and maintaining documents in a paper or electronic filing system.
• Meeting with clients, attorneys, and other professionals to talk about case details.
• Filing pleadings with court clerk.
• Helping prepare for trial by organizing exhibits and assisting with other tasks as needed.
• Investigating facts and laws of cases and searching public records and other resources to prepare cases.
• Directing and coordinating law office activity, including delivery of subpoenas.
• Keeping the law library up to date by monitoring legal volumes.
• Other duties assigned.

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED.
• Paralegal degree or certification preferred.
• Knowledge of the legal system, commitment to the mission of FRLS and compassion for the clients.
• Fluent in English and Spanish or Haitian Creole is preferred.
• Ability to forge positive relationships with clients, community, and colleagues.
• Good organizational, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively, yet independently.
• Creativity and ability to maximize the use of existing resources.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and Case Management System.
• Must be able to effectively communicate with peers, supervisors, clients and the public.
• Must be able to effectively work in high pressure situations which involve deadlines.

Working conditions

This position operates in a professional work environment.

Physical requirements

• This is a largely sedentary role, however, some lifting of office supplies of up to 20 pounds may be required.
• Must be able to travel throughout Florida, as needed.

Reports

No supervisory duties

Salary and Benefits

The starting salary for this position is $38,500, which is based on a union scale and adjusted upward depending on experience. FRLS offers a very generous benefits package that includes 403(b) with employer-paid contribution; health insurance (medical, dental, and vision) for employees and their dependents; paid leave (up to 5 weeks of PTO, 2 personal days, and 13 holidays). FRLS Paralegals operate in an in-office environment, requiring work in their assigned office 5 days a week. Paralegals are permitted to work up to two days at home once they complete their probationary period.