Legal Secretary - Pennington County Advocacy Program (PCAP)

Job Description

Job Description

Are you an experienced Legal Secretary with a passion for making a difference? Dakota Plains Legal Services is looking for a skilled and detail-oriented professional to support our attorneys and paralegals in our Pennington County Advocacy Program (PCAP). If you're organized, proactive, and experienced in legal support, we want to hear from you!

About Dakota Plains Legal Services (DPLS)

At DPLS, our mission is to promote equal access to justice and improve the lives of low-income clients through quality legal assistance. As a non-profit organization, we provide legal representation, advocacy, and community education in Indian law, family law, health law, housing law, and income maintenance law. Our organization serves Native American and non-Native clients across South Dakota and North Dakota, with all offices located on or near tribal nations. With eight offices serving thirty-four counties and nine tribal nations, we are committed to addressing the unique legal needs of the communities we serve.

About our Benefits

• Work Schedule: Enjoy a 4-day work week with 8.5-hour days, giving you every Friday off for a three-day weekend, every weekend!
• Holidays: 15 paid holidays.
• PTO: Earn 6 weeks of paid time off.
• Insurance Coverage: Employer-paid employee coverage for medical, dental, short-term disability, long-term disability, term life, and AD&D insurance. Vision insurance is also available.
• Retirement Plan: 401(k) with employer matching.

About the Role

As our Legal Secretary, you will provide vital support to attorneys and paralegals, ensuring smooth operations and exceptional client care. In this role, you’ll be at the heart of our legal team, preparing documents, managing case files, coordinating with clients, and much more. Your work will be essential to our mission, and your contributions will help us make a meaningful impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the office receptionist, ensuring visitors are welcomed and assisted.
• Draft and prepare legal pleadings, correspondence, and documents as directed by attorneys and paralegals.
• Organize, file, scan, and manage legal documents.
• Serve as the first point of contact by taking phone messages, answering inquiries, and occasionally providing client referrals.
• Maintain office supplies and coordinate inventory and requisitions.
• Distribute memos, update administrative documents, and help keep our handbooks and manuals current.
• Sends administration required reports, including time and attendance, inventory, statistics, and reimbursement requests.
• Support applicants in the intake process, screen for eligibility, and maintain thorough records in LegalServer.
• Perform initial case reviews for compliance with funding agency requirements.
• Collaborate with the Managing Attorney to keep administrative systems organized.

What We’re Looking For:

• Experience: At least two years of experience in a law office or similar setting is preferred.
• Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
• Skills: Proficiency in Word, WordPerfect, Excel, and other commonly used software.
• Legal Knowledge: Familiarity with legal terminology and document preparation.
• Professionalism: Excellent communication skills and a professional demeanor when interacting with clients and the public.
• Confidentiality: Strong understanding of client confidentiality and a commitment to ethical standards.

Why Join Us?

At DPLS, this is more than just a job; it’s a chance to be part of a mission-driven team dedicated to promoting justice and serving those in need. We work to support our clients across South Dakota and North Dakota, often providing crucial advocacy and legal support in underserved areas. Our team values integrity, community, and a strong commitment to equal access to justice for all.

As part of DPLS, you’ll be contributing to meaningful, impactful work which will directly help uphold our mission and improve lives. Your expertise and dedication will be appreciated and supported, making each day an opportunity to make a lasting difference.

DPLS IS COMMITTED TO EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL WORKERS, REGARDLESS OF RACE, GENDER, DISABILITY OR OTHER PROTECTED CLASS STATUS. DPLS IS COMMITTED TO COMPLIANCE WITH ALL FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL ANTI-DISCRIMINATION LAWS AND REGULATIONS. ALL INTERESTED APPLICANTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.