Housing Paralegal

Acadiana Legal Services Corporation; Lafayette (LA); On-site; USD 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Acadiana Legal Services Corporation in Louisiana is looking for a full-time paralegal to assist attorneys representing low-income clients with landlord-tenant disputes, evictions, and public housing issues.

The paralegal role involves conducting legal research, preparing legal documents, client communication, and providing administrative support. Ideal candidates should possess a degree from an accredited institution or relevant paralegal training.

Competitive salary starting from $60,000 per year is offered, along with an opportunity to make a significant impact in the community.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of legal research sources and techniques.
• Understanding of legal terminology and formats.
• Skill in preparing routine legal correspondence.

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research and prepare legal documents.
• Assist attorneys in court preparation and client interviews.
• Maintain complex records and administrative support tasks.

Skills

Legal research procedures

Legal terminology

Typing and filing skills

Record maintenance

Effective communication

Education

Graduate of an accredited four-year college or university

Completion of a two-year paralegal training program

Job description

Acadiana Legal Service Corporation (ALSC) seeks a full-time paralegal to assist staff attorneys who represent low-income clients with evictions, landlord‑tenant disputes, and public housing issues.

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

• 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

Location: Lake Charles, Monroe

Pay: From $60,000.00 per year