Program Coordinator (First Amendment Clinic Paralegal)

Florida State University; Tallahassee (FL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Florida State University is hiring a Program Coordinator (First Amendment Clinic Paralegal) in Tallahassee, FL. This role provides administrative, litigation, client-service, and case-management support within the College of Law clinic.

The position requires strong organizational skills and professional discretion, supporting faculty, law students, courts, and community partners in a collaborative academic setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a related field.
• Two years of experience required; combination with post-high school education to six years is acceptable.
• Experience in a litigation clinic or law school setting preferred.

Responsibilities

• Maintain organized client files and track deadlines, hearings, and filings.
• Prepare pleadings, discovery, affidavits, and other legal documents; assist with court filings.
• Support students and faculty with scheduling, training, and case coordination.
• Manage clinic calendars, travel, and event logistics.
• Maintain confidentiality and ensure compliance with rules.

Skills

Organizational skills

Professionalism

Discretion

Attention to detail

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

High school diploma/equivalent + 6 years experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Legal case-management systems

Electronic filing systems

Job description

Job Title: Program Coordinator (First Amendment Clinic Paralegal)

Location: Tallahassee, FL

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Job ID: 63002

Department

College of Law

Responsibilities

The FSU First Amendment Clinic Paralegal provides administrative, litigation, client-service, and case-management support to the faculty, students, and staff of the Clinic. The paralegal plays a central role in supporting the clinic’s educational mission while helping ensure effective representation of clients in accordance with applicable ethical and professional standards.

This position requires strong organizational skills, professionalism, discretion, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively in an academic environment with law students, faculty, courts, agencies, and community partners.

This position operates in a professional academic and legal environment and may involve occasional travel to courts, agencies, or community meetings.

Case and Client Management

• Maintain organized physical and electronic client files in compliance with confidentiality and recordkeeping requirements. Assist with client intake, scheduling, correspondence, and communication. Track deadlines, hearings, filing dates, and other case-related obligations.
• Prepare and process legal documents, including pleadings, discovery, exhibits, subpoenas, affidavits, and correspondence. Assist faculty and student attorneys with filing documents in state and federal courts and administrative agencies. Coordinate service of process and records requests. Support trial, hearing, mediation, and appellate preparation.

Student and Faculty Support

• Assist law students with clinic procedures, filing systems, document formatting, and case-management practices. Provide training and guidance regarding office procedures, client communication protocols, and administrative requirements. Support faculty supervisors with scheduling, logistics, and case coordination. Help maintain clinic forms, templates, manuals, and instructional materials.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Manage clinic calendars, meetings, travel arrangements, and event logistics as needed.
• Maintain databases and case-management systems.
• Process invoices, reimbursements, and other administrative documentation. Assist with grant reporting, data collection, and preparation of program statistics where applicable. Coordinate records retention and file closing procedures.

Professional and Compliance Responsibilities

• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding client, student, and university matters. Ensure compliance with applicable court rules, university policies, and professional responsibility standards.
• Interact professionally with clients, courts, agencies, opposing counsel, and community organizations.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree and two years of experience; or a high school diploma/equivalent and six years of relevant experience. (Note: a combination of post high school education and experience equal to six years.)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a litigation practice or law school clinical program.
• Familiarity with electronic filing systems in state and federal courts.
• Experience working with students, educational institutions, or public-interest organizations.
• Knowledge of legal terminology, court procedures, and legal document preparation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and legal case-management systems.

University Information

One of the nation's elite research universities, Florida State University preserves, expands, and disseminates knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professions, while embracing a philosophy of learning strongly rooted in the traditions of the liberal arts and critical thinking. Founded in 1851, Florida State University is the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida. FSU is a community steeped in tradition that fosters research and encourages creativity. At FSU, there’s the excitement of being part of a vibrant academic and professional community, surrounded by people whose ideas are shaping tomorrow’s news!
Learn more about Florida State University and our campuses.

FSU Total Rewards

FSU offers a robust Total Rewards package. Visit our FSU Total Rewards website to learn more about our Compensation, Benefits, Wellness, Recognition, and Employee Development programs.
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Considerations

This is an A&P position.

This position requires successful completion of a criminal background check.

This position is being advertised as open until filled.

Equal Employment Opportunity

FSU is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.