Senior Paralegal

About Us

Our mission at Utah Legal Services (ULS) is to provide high-quality civil legal aid without cost to people who are unable to afford legal representation or are facing disadvantages, ensuring meaningful access to justice, and promoting education, stability, safety, and protection. Since our inception as a nonprofit in 1976, we remain committed to making equal justice a reality by providing free services in civil legal matters. More than 70 attorneys and legal professionals, working remote and in person, deliver client services from four regional offices in Salt Lake City, Ogden, Provo, and St. George. Join our team and help us level the playing field for low-income Utahns, ensuring everyone has a voice in the legal system.

About the Role

As a Senior Paralegal at ULS, you will provide ethical, competent legal representation to clients who are low-income or have special vulnerabilities throughout Utah. You will work collaboratively with assigned attorneys, ensuring compliance with all rules, laws, and regulations while maintaining proper timekeeping and client interactions. This role involves mentoring team members, managing a caseload, and contributing to community engagement efforts to further ULS’s mission.

Responsibilities

• Attend and assist with team meetings focused on administrative issues, legal skills, and professional development.
• Provide substantive training and coaching in basic litigation skills to develop paralegals and prepare them for casework, hearings, and trial.
• Engage in active team building and create a positive work environment.
• Participate as a member of the hiring committee as requested by the HR Director.
• Provide coaching and mentoring to staff, as invited by management.
• Use the ULS case management system, LegalServer, to bill time, manage clients, and track case-related tasks and deadlines for timely communications, services, and representation.
• Follow case handling protocols and best practices.
• Support a ULS attorney by maintaining an average caseload of 60-120 cases based on the level of service and your other workload and duties.
• Regularly and strategically review case status and tasks, updating as needed.
• Review cases for Case Service Report (CSR) compliance and properly close cases.
• Actively meet with your assigned attorney to conduct case reviews and ensure timely progression.
• Maintain relationships with current community partners and develop new relationships to further ULS’s mission, including serving on Utah State Bar or Court Committees, or other approved committees.
• Attend ULS staff meetings.
• Complete continuing education and certification requirements, such as continuing legal education (CLEs).
• Participate in and develop community engagement efforts, including clinics, community education classes, and outreach to maintain relationships with community partners and stakeholders.
• Train and oversee volunteers, as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills and Qualifications

• A strong commitment to assisting people with low incomes and special vulnerabilities and promoting meaningful access to civil legal justice.
• Excellent interpersonal abilities and high verbal and written communication skills.
• High level of adaptability and ability to manage stress.
• Self-motivated, dependable, detailed, and accountable.
• Commitment and adherence to strict confidentiality rules.
• Work experience in one of the following legal areas is preferred: domestic law, housing, consumer protection, debt defense, public benefits, Native American law, or migrant worker law.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a broad range of diverse people, cultures, and backgrounds to maintain good relationships.
• Must be able to pass a Utah Criminal Record background check.
• Admission to the Utah State Bar Paralegal Division (or the ability and plan to apply as soon as possible).
• Possess extensive legal experience (often 5+ years).
• Demonstrate the ability to lead, supervise, and motivate others.
• Ability to analyze complex situations and make sound decisions to benefit ULS and our clients.

Work Environment

• Must have a reliable mode of transportation.
• Occasional travel required as needed.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk working on a computer.
• In-person at a ULS office a minimum of one day per week.

Pay

Senior Paralegal hourly rate range: $24 - $26. FLSA Status: Non-exempt, full time.