Family Law Paralegal

Acadiana Legal Services Corporation; Shreveport (LA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A legal services organization seeks a full-time paralegal to assist staff attorneys in representing low-income clients with civil legal matters. Responsibilities include conducting legal research, preparing cases for court, and communicating effectively with clients. Candidates should possess a bachelor's degree or relevant paralegal training. This position calls for strong organizational skills and the ability to handle various legal and administrative tasks to support the attorneys.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited four-year college or university.
• Acceptable with a two-year paralegal training program or relevant legal experience.

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research and prepare legal documents.
• Assist attorneys in preparing cases for court.
• Review and proofread legal documents.
• Communicate effectively with clients and staff.
• Provide administrative support and maintain records.

Skills

Legal research techniques

Legal terminology

Typing and office operations

Record maintenance

Effective communication

Following instructions

Composing legal correspondence

Education

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university

Two-year paralegal training or one-year experience

Job description

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