Paralegal

Florida Rural Legal Services; West Palm Beach (FL); On-site; USD 43,000 - 53,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

403(b) with employer-paid contribution

Health insurance for employees and its

Job summary

Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. (FRLS) is seeking a paralegal to support our team of legal researchers. You will prepare affidavits, legal correspondence, and organize files, while filing pleadings with court clerks and assisting with trial preparation.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, multitasking, and a client-focused approach are essential in this busy, team-oriented environment. Fluency in English with Spanish or Haitian Creole preferred.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required; paralegal degree or certification preferred.
• Fluent in English; Spanish or Haitian Creole preferred.
• Strong organizational and communication skills; ability to multitask in a busy environment.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and case management systems.

Responsibilities

• Prepare affidavits, legal correspondence, and other documents for attorneys.
• Organize and maintain documents in a filing system.
• Meet with clients, attorneys, and other professionals to discuss case details.
• File pleadings with court clerk.
• Help prepare for trial by organizing exhibits and assisting with other tasks.

Skills

Fluent in English

Spanish

Haitian Creole

Organizational skills

Education

High School diploma or GED

Paralegal degree or certification

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Case Management System

Job description

Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. (FRLS) is a non-profit law firm that provides free civil legal aid to eligible individuals, families, and vulnerable communities across 13 Florida counties, as well as to farm workers statewide. Since 1966, FRLS has been dedicated to justice, offering legal services in housing law, family law, consumer protection, public benefits, elder law, disaster relief, education law, and more—at no cost to our clients. FRLS partners with community organizations and pro bono attorneys to provide quality advocacy, outreach, and education aimed at protecting the rights of those in need. For over 50 years, FRLS has been a steadfast advocate for justice. Learn more at www.FRLS.org.

Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. is seeking to hire a paralegal to join our team of legal researchers. You will be supporting our organization by preparing documents like affidavits and legal correspondence, as well as organizing and maintaining files. You will also be asked to file pleadings with court clerks and help prepare for trials by organizing exhibits and assisting with other tasks as required. To be successful in this role, you will need to be proficient with Microsoft Office applications such as Word and Excel. You will also need to be able to multitask effectively and essentially thrive in a busy, team-oriented environment.

Essential Functions

• Preparing affidavits, legal correspondence, and other documents for attorneys.
• Organizing and maintaining documents in a paper or electronic filing system.
• Meeting with clients, attorneys, and other professionals to talk about case details.
• Filing pleadings with court clerk.
• Helping prepare for trial by organizing exhibits and assisting with other tasks as needed.
• Investigating facts and laws of cases and searching public records and other resources to prepare cases.
• Directing and coordinating law office activity, including delivery of subpoenas.
• Keeping the law library up to date by monitoring legal volumes.
• Other duties assigned.

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED.
• Paralegal degree or certification preferred.
• Knowledge of the legal system, commitment to the mission of FRLS and compassion for the clients.
• Fluent in English and Spanish or Haitian Creole is preferred.
• Ability to forge positive relationships with clients, community, and colleagues.
• Good organizational, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively, yet independently.
• Creativity and ability to maximize the use of existing resources.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and Case Management System.
• Must be able to effectively communicate with peers, supervisors, clients and the public.
• Must be able to effectively work in high pressure situations which involve deadlines.

Working conditions

This position operates in a professional work environment.

Physical requirements

• This is a largely sedentary role, however, some lifting of office supplies of up to 20 pounds may be required.
• Must be able to travel throughout Florida, as needed.

Reports

• No supervisory duties.

Salary and Benefits

The starting salary for this position is $48,000, which is based on a union scale and adjusted upward depending on experience.

• 403(b) with employer-paid contribution
• health insurance (medical, dental, and vision) for employees and their dependents
• paid leave (up to 5 weeks of PTO, 2 personal days, and 13 holidays)
• Paralegals are permitted to work up to two days at home once they complete their probationary period.

FRLS Paralegals operate in an in-office environment, requiring work in their assigned office 5 days a week.

Clearinghouse Education and Awareness website: HB531 | Florida Agency for Health Care Administration