General Law Paralegal

Acadiana Legal Services Corporation; Lafayette (LA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A legal aid organization in Louisiana seeks a Paralegal to assist attorneys in providing quality legal services to clients. The role involves conducting legal research, preparing legal documents, interviewing applicants, and providing administrative support. Key skills include a solid understanding of legal terminology, effective communication abilities, and the ability to maintain complex records. The position requires a degree or relevant paralegal training/experience. This role will be instrumental in serving the needs of the community's underserved population.

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research and prepare legal summaries.
• Assist in preparing cases and drafting pleadings.
• Review and proofread legal documents for accuracy.
• Conduct initial interviews of applicants.
• Provide administrative support and assist attorneys.
• Maintain data bank files and templates.

Skills

Legal research techniques

Legal terminology knowledge

Office operation skills

Record maintenance

Effective communication

Complex instruction comprehension

Legal correspondence preparation

Education

Graduate of an accredited four-year college or university

Completion of a two-year paralegal training program or relevant experience

Job description

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 materialsAssists in Private Bar Involvement activities
• Assists attorneys in researching laws and court decisions for determining the most appropriate legal action
• Assists in 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 relationship 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