Paralegal 2

About the role

PSU Student Legal Services is seeking a full-time Paralegal. Student Legal Services provides free legal assistance and educational opportunities to students at Portland State University. SLS common matters include Landlord/Tenant, Family Law, Immigration, and more. The Paralegal is part of a support team for four attorneys and oversees student legal assistants.

Responsibilities

• Legal Assistance & Attorney Support
• Provides front desk reception and intake client request screening.
• Supervises student legal assistants in case management and intake screening.
• Communicates with clients and other parties as needed regarding cases and office services.
• Manages attorney calendars, including litigation process deadlines, client meetings, and staff meetings.
• E-files court documents.
• Conducts client fingerprinting.
• Prepares legal correspondence for own signature or signature by an attorney.
• Conducts legal research as assigned by an attorney.
• Serves as office Notary Public.
• Case Management & Administrative Duties
• Creates and maintains electronic case files in Clio case management software, department computer drive, and other electronic and/or paper systems.
• Organizes, and indexes documents and manages document flow.
• In conjunction with the Administrative Manager, reviews and creates document templates and office processes for greater efficiency.
• Attends meetings between SLS staff, attorney and/or client or third parties, including as Notary Public, and writes memoranda recording matters discussed.
• Manages office and case mail processes.
• Supports office outreach efforts by attending and staffing campus events.
• Helps recruit and train PSU student legal assistants and interns.
• Other tasks or projects as assigned by attorneys or Administrative Manager.
• Comprehensive Review & Analysis
• Reviews and analyzes Oregon Rules of Professional Conduct to ensure office compliance.
• Creates and maintains the office client conflict check system.
• Adheres to the highest standard of confidentiality, FERPA, and HIPAA guidelines.
• Researches and applies Uniform Trial Court Rules (UTCR), Supplemental Local Rules (SLRs), and other applicable statutes to create templates for pleadings and other legal documents.

Requirements

• A two year Associate’s degree in Paralegal or Legal Assistant Studies; OR
• One year of general college courses AND a one year nondegree certification program in Paralegal or Legal Assistant Studies; OR
• A one year nondegree certification program in Paralegal or Legal Assistant studies and one year paralegal experience or two years of subparalegal experience (e.g., legal secretarial, administration of laws within a judicial or administrative hearing process); OR
• Two years of paralegal experience; OR
• Three years of subparalegal experience; OR
• One year of Law School; OR
• A Bachelor’s degree in a field related to law (e.g., Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement).

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience working in a law office.
• Demonstrated positive customer service.
• Experience supervising and supporting the professional development of early-career employees.
• Experience working with diverse populations.

Cultural Competencies

• Creates an environment that acknowledges, encourages and celebrates differences.
• Functions and communicates effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities and cultural backgrounds.
• Sets opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement.
• Adheres to all PSU policies including the policies on Prohibited Discrimination & Harassment and the Professional Standards of Conduct.

Environmental Stewardship

• Contributes to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and actively works toward achieving long-term sustainability goals.

Work Days/Hours

Monday - Friday 8:30-5pm

Total Compensation Range & Benefits Statement

The starting salary for this position will be between $26.20 – $28.75 per hour, dependent upon qualifications and experience with an excellent benefits package including 95% premium paid healthcare; a generous retirement and vacation package; and reduced tuition rates for employee, spouse, or dependent at any of the Oregon University System schools.