Paralegal / Office Manager

Legal Services of Eastern Missouri; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 43,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Legal Services of Eastern Missouri is seeking a full-time Paralegal / Office Manager for its Parental Justice Program in Clayton, MO. The role involves legal advocacy for survivors of domestic violence, providing high-quality representation in Juvenile Court cases. Candidates should have strong administrative and organizational skills, with a commitment to serving low-income clients.

Benefits

Medical, dental and vision insurance

Generous time off policy (starting at 4 weeks per year)

12 weeks paid parental leave

Retirement plans (403(b) and 401(a))

Employee assistance plan

Flexible spending account

Qualifications

• 3 years paralegal experience required, litigation experience is a plus.
• Experience with St. Louis County Children's Division strongly preferred.
• Ability to relate well to low-income clients.

Responsibilities

• Perform legal research, draft pleadings, assist in trial preparation.
• Interview clients, develop depositions, organize case files.
• Communicate effectively with attorneys and clients.

Skills

Administrative skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Teamwork

Detail-oriented

Tools

Microsoft Office

LegalServer

Job description

Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, Inc. (LSEM), a nonprofit law firm providing free, quality civil legal services to clients living with low income and limited opportunity, seeks a full-time Paralegal / Office Manager for its Parental Justice Program located in our Clayton, MO office. The goal of the Program is to provide legal advocacy for survivors of domestic violence and safeguard against unjust removal of children from their custody and advocate for family reunification by providing high-quality legal representation to parents with cases in St. Louis County.

Responsibilities : Paralegal :

Under the direction and supervision of the Parental Justice Program Managing Attorney :

• Perform legal research, construct timelines, draft pleadings and correspondence, and assist in investigations and trial preparation.
• Prepare subpoenas and be knowledgeable with Service of Process; Prepare document requests, file legal documents with the court
• Prepare exhibits and points for hearings.
• Interview clients and witnesses, develop questions for depositions and witness testimony.
• Review and organize case files, read and file agency and therapy reports, police reports, and other documents associated with the cases.
• Monitor client cases to ensure that client needs are met by other parties to proceedings.
• Communicate with attorneys, staff members and other parties concerning client cases.
• Serve as a source of client information, support and advocacy, including communicating with clients concerning Juvenile Court and child protection agency procedures
• When necessary, provide clients with community resources specific to their needs.
• Maintain current knowledge of professional ethics and of the procedural and substantive law that apply to Juvenile Court cases to carry out the legal assistant functions.
• Organize, schedule, and calendar court appearances and meetings. Create Outlook Calendar invites and Zoom meetings.
• Facilitate connectivity between court hearings and meetings among multiple platforms like Zoom, WebEx and Microsoft Teams.
• Maintain LSEM manuals
• Maintain office equipment, supplies, records, files and databases
• Work with court staff to get keys, parking, signs, and maintenance needs addressed.
• Maintain client files in compliance with LSEM regulations, utilizing LegalServer case management software
• Make travel arrangements
• Update client handouts.
• Follow up on research requests and assignments with legal interns
• Perform intake procedures and schedule meetings with clients.
• Open and Close cases.
• Answer the phone for the office, return calls, provide referrals to callers, correspond with Court personnel.
• Work in a fast-paced office.

Qualifications :

• Strong administrative skills are required
• 3 Years Paralegal experience is required, Litigation experience is a plus
• Experience with St. Louis County Children's Division strongly preferred
• Ability to relate well and work with elderly, disabled, and low-income clients
• Ability to collaborate with diverse community stakeholders
• Strong communication skills, work ethic, and teamwork
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail
• Competent in Microsoft Office, particularly Word and Excel
• Familiarity or aptitude with case management software preferred
• Open to creative and innovative ways of fulfilling the legal aid mission

Who we are :

LSEM advances justice through legal representation, education, and supportive services. We partner with the community to improve lives, promote fairness and create opportunities for those in need. Since 1956, LSEM has provided high-quality civil legal assistance and equal access to justice for low-income people in 21 counties in Missouri. We accomplish our mission through systemic advocacy / impact litigation and individual casework in a wide range of substantive civil areas which are in our priorities, e.g., family law for victims of domestic violence, prevention of homelessness / loss of housing, health, public benefits, consumer, education, disability, community economic development, and immigration. As part of our community education / outreach efforts, LSEM works with over 150 agencies and participates in over 35 task forces / coalitions. LSEM also has a vibrant Volunteer Lawyers Program.

How to Apply :

Upload your resume and cover letter through our online application. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

Salary & Benefits Information :

The salary range for this position is $43,400-$65,200. Specific salary within the range will be determined by years of experience. Excellent benefits including medical, dental and vision insurance, a generous time off policy (starting at 4 weeks per year), 12 weeks paid parental leave, 403(b) and 401(a) retirement plans, long-term disability and life insurance, employee assistance plan, and flexible spending account.

Submission Deadline : Applications will be considered until the position is filled.

At Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, we value diversity, equity, inclusion, and mutual respect. We encourage people of color, women, LGBTQ+, people of all abilities, and those who have been historically disadvantaged to apply. Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that represents our community and to be an inclusive environment for all employees.

Equal access to Legal Services of Eastern Missouri's office is available. Those applicants requiring accommodation to the interview / application process should contact Human Resources at the e-mail [emailprotected] . Legal Services of Eastern Missouri is an equal opportunity employer.