Family Law Paralegal

Overview

Reports to and receives general direction from Senior Managing Attorney, Supervising Paralegal, Staff Attorney or designee, the paralegal provides paraprofessional legal services to eligible clients in civil cases, under the direct supervision of an attorney, in accordance with the program's mission and principles of advocacy, other program guidelines, the ABA Standards for Providers of Civil Legal Services and the Florida Rules of Professional Conduct.

Responsibilities

• Completes client intake processes and determines client eligibility for legal services in accordance with program policies and procedures.
• Gathers information, interviews clients and witnesses; investigates and develops cases; prepares written reports to attorneys detailing the results of the interview/investigation.
• Drafts legal pleadings and other legal documents.
• Schedules court proceedings, depositions, and mediations.
• Files court documents at the direction of and for the assigned attorney.
• Makes and follows up on referrals of clients to appropriate alternative or additional sources of assistance.
• Works jointly in partnership with attorney on assigned cases.
• Maintains accurate, complete, well-organized electronic case/project records, files, and calendars.
• Performs legal research including use of computer-based databases, e.g., Thomson-Reuters computerized practice software.
• Keeps abreast of developments in family law.
• Schedules and participates in outreach with community partners, clients, and community groups to strengthen partnerships.
• Participates in fundraising activities and public relations, as requested.
• May participate in the orientation and training of employees and volunteers, including law school interns.
• Participate in community domestic violence task forces.
• Greet clients, applicants, and other visitors to the office in a courteous and polite manner.
• Answers telephones and refers callers to appropriate staff members, other CLS offices, or other agencies, as appropriate
• Opens and distributes mail and provides other clerical services, as necessary.
• May perform duties of the work of higher or lower classified positions, as assigned.

Requirements

• Commitment
• Background and Experience
• Physical Requirements

Commitment

• Demonstrating commitment to promoting the mission, vision, and values of CLS.
• Unwavering dedication to high-quality legal programs, fiscal strength, and organizational integrity.
• Commitment to continued learning and training.

Background and Experience

• Legal Studies Education and/or Paralegal certification.
• Experience with family law
• Law firm experience (2+years), experience in support of litigation and commitment working with low-income and/or vulnerable clients and communities on civil legal matters also a plus.
• Florida Notary a plus.
• Bilingual (English Spanish; spoken and written fluency) preferred.
• Excellent phone and in-person professional customer service ability required, with superior organizational and highly polished communication and writing skills.
• Must be a self-motivated, professional, and capable of independently managing workload and prioritizing tasks in a fast-paced legal environment with minimal supervision.
• Microsoft Office Suite proficiency required.
• Valid Florida license, use of own auto, and proof of insurance necessary to perform duties and attend meetings and/or other functions throughout 12 county service area.
• Ability to work independently and to travel; possibility of working weekends and evenings

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times.

Starting Salary

$50,000+, more with experience

General Statement

CLS is an Equal Opportunity Employer: We value a diverse workforce and the promotion of inclusive culture at all levels.

CLS does not discriminate against any employee or qualified applicant for employment from all qualified individuals on the basis of age, race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, marital or familial status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, sex, disability, socio-economic position, religion, political belief, protected genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal or State law.