Case Handling Paralegal

Legal Aid of Western Missouri; Joplin (MO); On-site; USD 57,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plans

Dental plan

Vision plan

Life Insurance

Paid Time Off

401k with employer match

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Job summary

Legal Aid of Western Missouri seeks a full-time case handling paralegal in the Joplin office to support our team in representing clients in administrative law proceedings and assist staff attorneys with litigation tasks.

The role requires strong legal research, intake interviewing, and meticulous file management, with opportunities to advocate for clients and attend outreach events in the community.

In-person role with a comprehensive benefits package and competitive salary on the formal scale.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's, associate or certificate in paralegal studies.
• Knowledge of legal terminology, principles and practices and legal research techniques.
• Familiarity with local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
• Relevant computer software knowledge and experience.
• Strong interpersonal skills to work with staff attorneys and collaborators.

Responsibilities

• Conduct intake interviews with eligible applicants and gather facts for case evaluation.
• Assist attorneys with research and preparation of pleadings and discovery.
• Advocate on behalf of clients with third parties in a professional manner.
• Prepare letters and communications ensuring proper form and grammar.
• Attend scheduled outreach events and maintain client files.
• Represent clients at administrative hearings and support staff attorneys.

Skills

Legal terminology

Legal research

Interpersonal skills

Local, state & federal laws

Computer software proficiency

Education

Paralegal studies (degree/certification)

Tools

Case management systems

Legal technology platforms

Job description

Legal Aid of Western Missouri seeks a full-time case handling paralegal in the Joplin office. This position will assist our team in representing clients in administrative law proceedings and support staff attorneys with litigation assistance.

Key Responsibilities

Conduct administrative-level representation of clients as well as perform all responsibilities required to assist attorneys in the completion of cases or assignments, including:

• Conduct in-depth interviews with eligible applicants about their legal problems, completing full intake to gather the facts, documents, and details needed to evaluate the case.
• Assist attorneys with research and preparation of legal documents, including pleadings and discovery.
• Advocate on behalf of clients with third parties in a professional manner.
• Prepare letters and correspondence to clients and third parties, ensuring appropriate form, style, punctuation, spelling, and grammar.
• Attend scheduled outreach events.
• Maintain and organize client files and case-related documents in accordance with Legal Aid's records management protocols.
• Represent clients at administrative hearings.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree, associate's degree, or certificate program in paralegal studies
• Knowledge of legal terminology, principles, and practices and legal research techniques
• Familiarity with local, state, and federal laws and regulations
• Relevant computer software knowledge and experience
• Strong interpersonal skills to work with staff attorneys and collaborate with support staff

Preferred Qualifications

• Paralegal experience
• Experience in a legal, nonprofit, or social services setting
• Bilingual or multilingual skills, particularly Spanish
• Familiarity with case management systems or legal technology platforms
• Familiarity with administrative law proceedings

Location

This role is an in-person position based in Legal Aid's Joplin office. Regular in-office attendance is the expectation for this role. Legal Aid offers flexible work arrangements to support employees in maintaining schedules that enable them to perform at their best.

Compensation And Benefits

The salary for this position starts at $56,650 on Legal Aid’s formal salary scale. Placement above the starting point is based on years of relevant experience and internal equity. Employees who demonstrate fluency in a second language are eligible for an annual salary supplement of $3,600.

Legal Aid Offers a Comprehensive Benefits Package Including

• Medical Plans with PPO or HSA options
• Dental Plan
• Vision Plan
• Life Insurance
• Short-Term Disability
• Long-Term Disability
• Accident Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical or dependent care
• Health Savings Accounts
• Paid CLE and Bar Dues
• Paid Time Off: Vacation, Sick, Personal and Holidays
• Qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program
• Travel and parking reimbursement
• 401k and up to 3.5% employer match

LAWMO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Those applicants requiring accommodation to the interview/application process should contact the Human Resources Department at [e-mail].