Family Law Paralegal

Job Description

Job Description

Job Summary

Mosaic Family Services’ Multicultural Legal Services Program provides trauma- informed/responsive, survivor-centered, and culturally responsive civil legal representation to Mosaic clients who are survivors of intimate partner violence and human trafficking. The primary legal services provided are Family Law (Divorce, Custody Litigations, Child Support, Protective Orders), Immigration (VAWA, T-Visa, U-Visa), and Victim Rights representation. The Paralegal will support the legal team in researching, drafting legal documents, preparing for trials and hearings, corresponding with clients, and preparing affidavits and correspondences, and coordinating the day-to-day operations such as maintaining client files, scheduling appointments, etc. The ideal candidate will have both family law (primary focus) and immigration work experience and should display competency and sensitivity in representing clients that have low-come and/or other barriers and challenges.

This position is primarily government grant-funded and dependent on government funding availability and awards for each agency fiscal year. The Multicultural Legal Services Program is currently funded by multi-year federal grants.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Communicates with clients to gather information and provide updates; answers calls and emails.
• Conducts legal research to support case preparation and gather relevant information from statutes, regulations, and cases to develop legal arguments.
• Drafts and prepares legal documents such as affidavits, depositions, pleadings, motions, contracts, briefs, and applications for family law and immigration cases.
• Files legal documents with courts and other governmental agencies.
• Summarizes cases and prepares reports for attorneys.
• Assists attorneys in preparing for trials, hearing, and meetings.
• Reviews and analyzes legal documents for accuracy and compliance.
• Organizes, maintains, and archives legal files and documents.
• Keeps track of changes in legal framework and provide timely updates on these changes.
• Manages caseloads with a large degree of independence.
• Provides interpretation and translation as applicable.
• Participates and utilizes in continuing legal education and develops specialized knowledge related to all areas of immigration and/or family law affecting survivors of family violence and human trafficking.
• Maintains and utilizes updated professional knowledge and development of legal, family violence, human trafficking, community resources, trauma-informed care, and other related topics.
• Participates in assigned weekly, monthly, and quarterly staff, agency, and collaborative meetings.
• Participates in ongoing supervision and program evaluation with Supervisor to ensure program needs are met.
• Other job-related duties assigned by Supervisor and/or their designee.

Core Competencies

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
• Strong organizational and office management skills
• Clear written and verbal communication skills
• Strong Interviewing and investigative skills
• Adherence to confidentiality, ethical standards and judgment
• Strong customer service orientation and professionalism

Work Environment

• Primarily office-based work environment with shared space
• Prolonged work in front of a computer at a desk
• Collaborative work in a unionized work environment

Qualifications and Skills

Required

• An associate or bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies or a related field or at least two (2) years of experience
• Experience in family law (primary focus) and/or immigration law
• Strong understanding of legal terminology, processes, procedures, court systems, legal research methods, and resources
• Excellent written, communication, and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with clients and legal professionals
• Ability to effectively work, collaborate, and communicate with individuals from diverse backgrounds and/or other professionals
• Ability to multitask and manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately
• Proficiency in legal software and Microsoft Office Suite ( e.g. Legal Server, Westlaw, Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Teams, SharePoint, Adobe Acrobat, etc .).

Preferred

• Certification from an accredited and/or recognized paralegal organization
• Two or more years of paralegal work experience
• Experience serving domestic violence and/or human trafficking survivors.
• Prior legal services, public interest, or volunteer experience and/or demonstrated commitment to serving and supporting underserved populations.
• Professional fluency in written and spoken Spanish and/or other language(s).

Mosaic Family Services is a safe haven for survivors of human rights abuses including intimate partner violence and human trafficking. Mosaic provides shelter, counseling, and comprehensive social services as well as legal representation. Mosaic Family Services transforms, empowers, and rebuilds our clients’ lives through culturally competent services.

Company Description

Mosaic Family Services is a safe haven for survivors of human rights abuses including intimate partner violence and human trafficking. Mosaic provides shelter, counseling, and comprehensive social services as well as legal representation. Mosaic Family Services transforms, empowers, and rebuilds our clients’ lives through culturally competent services.