Staff Attorney

About the role

Utah Legal Services (ULS) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing high-quality civil legal aid at no cost to low-income individuals and those facing disadvantages. Since 1976, ULS has worked to ensure meaningful access to justice, promoting education, stability, safety, and protection. With over 70 attorneys and legal professionals across four regional offices in Salt Lake City, Ogden, Provo, and St. George, ULS levels the playing field for Utahns in need of legal representation.

Responsibilities

• Case Management
  • Use the ULS case management system, LegalServer, to bill time, manage clients, and track case-related tasks and deadlines.
  • Follow case handling protocols and best practices provided by the Subject Area Chair overseeing your cases.
  • Determine and update the Level of Service (LOS) for each assigned case.
  • Manage an average caseload of 60-150 cases based on the level of service and area of law.
  • Regularly review and update case status and tasks to ensure timely progression.
  • Review cases for Case Service Report (CSR) compliance and properly close cases.
  • Collaborate with assigned paralegals to move cases toward resolution.
• Client Support
  • Communicate with clients to gather facts, prepare case summaries, and evaluate case merits.
  • Educate clients about relevant laws, rules, and legal processes, including potential outcomes and next steps.
  • Advocate for clients by providing advice, brief services, and representation to ensure they understand their rights and responsibilities.
  • Prepare clients for depositions, interviews, examinations, hearings, and other case-related meetings.
• Legal Research
  • Conduct research using platforms such as Xchange, PACER, ERE, Utah State Court websites, and governmental agencies.
  • Review statutes, rules, regulations, caselaw, and secondary sources to develop case strategies.
• Litigation and Administrative Work
  • Prepare pro se answers and motions for clients not eligible for extended representation.
  • Review paralegal work for accuracy and compliance with rules, laws, and professional responsibilities.
  • Prepare and submit court or administrative agency documents independently.
  • Explore settlement options through client-approved negotiations.
  • Attend meetings, mediations, hearings, trials, and other proceedings to advocate for clients.
• Additional Duties
  • Attend ULS staff meetings, training sessions, and case reviews.
  • Complete continuing legal education (CLE) requirements and maintain good standing with the Utah State Bar.
  • Participate in internal working groups, community engagement efforts, and outreach activities.
  • Assist in developing training materials and conducting group training sessions.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.