Paralegal

Job Description

Job Description

Supervised by: Managing Director, Family Law and Protective Order Division

Status: Full-time

Essential Responsibilities

• Assist attorneys with the operation of the same-day Order of Protection clinic by providing direct services to clients, demonstrating proper procedures for interns and volunteers, and completing administrative tasks. (40%)
• Assist attorneys with Order of Protection representation cases, including client communication, opening and closing files, case docketing and program organization, and assisting with other case-related tasks. (60%)
• Translation/interpretation for clients and attorneys as needed.
• Provide occasional coverage for the office front desk and intake specialists.
• Deliver all services according to principles of trauma-informed care.
• Maintain client files (physical, electronic, and Legal Server), opening and closing cases according to agency procedures.
• Record all client communications, documents, evidence, and other materials in Legal Server and SharePoint.
• Protect the organization by keeping information confidential.

Other Responsibilities

• Actively participate in required staff meetings and trainings.
• Coordinate with the team’s Client Support Coordinator and other colleagues to ensure that the client receives seamless, holistic services
• Keep abreast of the field by maintaining networks and participating in professional organizations.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Work Environment

• This position requires at least 80% of work to be done on-site, subject to change.
• Courthouse and offices are fully accessible. Some work at off-site locations may be required and those may not necessarily be fully accessible.
• Evening and weekend work may occasionally be required.
• This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and scanners. Employee is regularly required to talk, hear, see, and communicate effectively via computer.
• Smoke- and drug-free environment.

**Qualifications
**

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field preferred
• Bilingual in Spanish/English required
• Previous paralegal or legal assistant experience preferred
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Must have completed or be willing to complete 40-hour Domestic Violence training
• Ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds who are in crisis
• Knowledge of or experience with working with survivors of gender-based or intimate partner violence
• Familiarity with principles of trauma-informed care and willingness to complete additional training
• Sensitive listener with the ability to explain complex concepts
• Strong self-motivation and ability to manage multiple tasks
• Basic computer and office skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel
• Ability to work in a fast-paced legal environment
• Sense of humor

As part of the hiring process, pre-employment verification of references may be conducted internally by the agency. We do not utilize third-party vendors for these verifications.

Ascend Justice is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to employ qualified individuals based on individual merit. Ascend Justice does not discriminate against any individual with respect to the terms and conditions of employment based on that individual’s race, sex, age, religion, color, national origin, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, housing status, or any other non-merit factor protected under state, local or federal laws. Equal Employment Opportunity applies to all personnel actions such as recruiting, hiring, compensation, benefits, promotions, training, transfer, termination, and opportunities for training. Ascend Justice is committed to a fair and equitable workplace where everyone is a respected and valued member of the team. Applicants/clients wishing to lodge a complaint about discrimination in the provision of services can do so by contacting the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority. The ICJIA nondiscrimination policy can be found on the ICJIA website at Applicants can also send complaints via e-mail to View email address on click.appcast.io