Law graduate Paralegal

Acadiana Legal Service Corporation (ALSC) seeks a full-time paralegal to assist staff attorneys who represent low-income clients with civil legal matters, including domestic violence, divorce, custody, child and spousal support, and intra-family adoptions.

NATURE OF WORK

Assist attorneys with the provision of quality legal services to clients of Acadiana Legal Service Corporation. Generally, work is completed as assigned; however, the position requires initiative and resourcefulness in following lines of research, adhering to corporate policies and procedures, and listening attentively to clients’ complaints.

General supervision is provided by a Senior Paralegal and/or Paralegal Coordinator.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Duties may include and are not limited to (tasks will vary based on substantive unit):

Conduct legal research, preparation of legal summaries and memoranda and assistance in preparing correspondence on legal matters

Prepares cases for attorneys to present in court, including the drafting of pleadings

Prepares letters, memoranda, drafts, legal documents, in forma pauperis affidavits, and other correspondence as assigned

Review and proofread documents and correspondence to ensure accuracy

Conducts initial interview of applicants for screening, eligibility, referrals, and applications for legal assistance

Greets and screens callers and visitors, making referrals to appropriate personnel or personally resolving the matter

Refer clients and advocates to appropriate available community resources

Communicate with clients, coworkers, community partners, opposing counsel, judges, and court staff effectively

Provide administrative support including copying, scanning, faxing, and mailing documents

Assists attorneys with case opening, closing, scanning, filing, surveys, and reports

Create, organize, and maintain data bank files and templates in accordance with recognized procedures and standards

Assists other support staff as needed and all other duties as assigned

Assists in maintaining public benefits resource materials

Assists in Private Bar Involvement activities

Assists attorneys in researching laws and court decisions for determining the most appropriate legal action

Assists in the design and presentation of in-house training sessions for other employees

Represents Acadiana Legal Service Corporation in various community events, focusing on issues relevant to the poor

Transmits legal documents to the courthouse and maintains telephone contact as required

NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS

Some knowledge of procedures and techniques used in legal research, including the various related sources of legal information

Adequate working knowledge of legal terminology and legal formats

Adequate skill in typing, filing and general office operation practices

Ability to maintain complex records and to prepare reports from such records

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, attorneys, staff, and the general public

Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions

Ability to compose and prepare routine and technical legal correspondence

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Graduate of an accredited four-year college or university

Non-college graduate acceptable upon completion of a two-year paralegal training program or one-year relevant experience with a law firm or other legal services program

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