Paralegal B | Laredo

Texas-Riogrande-Legal-Aid,-Inc.-; Laredo (TX); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (TRLA) seeks a Paralegal B assigned to manage a caseload before administrative agencies and support TRLA's efforts to provide free legal services to clients across Housing, Immigration, Public Benefits, Employment, and Family. The position is in-person at an assigned office location in Laredo.

TRLA is one of the largest legal aid providers, collaborating with local agencies to reach vulnerable clients in border communities.

Qualifications

• Fluency in English and Spanish required.
• College degree or equivalent paralegal experience preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage high-volume caseloads under deadlines.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel as needed.

Responsibilities

• With attorney supervision, represent clients in administrative or judicial proceedings as primary case handler.
• Conduct intakes, eligibility screenings, and interviews in person and via remote systems.
• Maintain regular client communication and inform about case developments and deadlines.
• Coordinate with team members and stakeholders for client communications and scheduling.
• Gather evidence, request records, conduct follow-up investigations, and research applicable law.
• Prepare forms and legal documents (motions, filings with agencies, etc.).
• Draft client declarations and organize evidence.
• Assist attorneys in case strategy and hearing preparation.
• Translate and interpret documents for clients as needed.
• Attend community meetings and provide legal education to clients.

Skills

Fluency in English and Spanish

Education

College degree or paralegal experience

Job description

Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (TRLA) seeks a Paralegal B assigned to manage a caseload before administrative agencies and support TRLA's efforts to provide free legal services to clients across a variety of practice areas, which may include Housing, Immigration, Public Benefits, Employment, and Family. The position is in-person at an assigned office location (Laredo).TRLA is one of the largest legal aid providers in the country and is nationally recognized for its high-quality, zealous, client-centered advocacy. With experts in over 45 civil practice areas, TRLA is uniquely equipped to deliver holistic legal services to address clients' interconnected needs. TRLA also collaborates directly with local agencies and community partners to reach the most vulnerable members of our client population. TRLA attorneys and advocates are part of a community of frontline advocates across Southwest Texas delivering much needed legal assistance to clients in metropolitan areas and also underserved rural and border communities.Paralegal B duties and responsibilities are essential to ensuring that eligible clients receive timely legal assistance, thorough case preparation, and meaningful representation in administrative and court proceedings.Duties:With attorney supervision, provide direct representation of clients in administrative or judicial proceedings as person-in-charge of individual cases;Conduct intakes with clients, including eligibility screenings and substantive interviews, in person and through remote communication systems (telephone, video);Maintain regular communication with clients through meetings, telephone calls, and written correspondence, ensuring clients are informed of case developments and upcoming deadlines;Coordinate with team members and stakeholders to facilitate client communication, appointments, case-related activities, and administrative processes;Conduct follow-up and fact investigation in assigned cases, including gathering evidence, requesting records, and researching applicable law;Interview clients and witnesses and draft declarations statements;With attorney supervision, prepare forms and legal documents, including but not limited to interview preparation materials, motions, filings with administrative agencies, and other affirmative filings;Gather and organize evidence, including medical and mental health records;Communicate with and interview clients, witnesses, family members, and other contacts to develop the factual record in each caseAssist attorneys in case strategy development and hearing preparation;Schedule, organize, and facilitate attorney-client meetings;Present legal education and know-your-rights materials for clients, including rights advisories, procedural guides, and orientation presentations;Maintain accurate and complete client files and administrative records in compliance with program standards;Provide document translation and interpretation services for clients;Provide legal information and referrals to individuals who are not accepted for direct representation;Attend and participate in community group meetings and educational forums to conduct intake and make community legal education presentations;Track hearing dates, filing deadlines, and other critical case milestones to ensure timely completion of all deliverables; andPerform other related duties and tasks as assigned by Team Managers and attorneysRequired Qualifications:Fluency in English and SpanishPossess verbal, reading and writing skills sufficient to comprehend administrative law manuals and to adequately advocate on behalf of clientsPreferred Qualifications:College degree or equivalent paralegal experienceExcellent verbal communication and writing skillsAbility to work independently and as part of a team of attorneys, paralegals, social workers, and staff located throughout TRLA’s 68-county service areaAbility to manage high-volume caseloads under urgent deadlinesValid driver's license; some travel is requiredDedication to serving low-income, vulnerable, underserved populations