• Paralegal (VOCA Grant)

    Full-Time Non-Exempt Position

    Lakeland, Florida Office

    Priority Deadline is February 24, 2022. All positions will remain open until filled, but we will review applicants on a rolling basis. Applicants are encouraged to apply early for consideration. Please submit all application materials as soon as possible. Applications received by February 24, 2022, will receive first consideration.

     

    Please review the specific job posting for more details. Salary is based on experience. Position includes a full benefits package, which currently includes health, dental, life, a retirement plan and paid time off. Position duration is based on grant funding.

    Non-Profit Overview:
    Florida Rural Legal Services. Inc. (FRLS), the non-profit legal services program providing free civil legal assistance to eligible low income and elderly persons approved by program policies and priorities in areas such as housing, domestic violence related family and other family law matters, public benefits, consumer law, elder law, education, immigration, and civil rights.

     

    Job Summary:

    The Paralegal will support the Attorneys by by gathering, organizing, and preparing various documents and files for court cases. They may also regularly meet with attorneys, clients or other legal professionals to gather helpful details about upcoming court cases. This position will also prepare other legal documents, like wills, contracts, briefs, appeals and pleadings.

     

    Job Duties:

    The paralegal’s duties will include:

    • Keep cases organized by establishing and organizing files, monitoring calendars, meeting deadlines, documenting actions, inputting information into case management software, and confirming case status with staff and FRLS and volunteer attorneys.
    • Under the supervision of an attorney, handle all functions related to casework from initial intake through representation of clients at administrative and other hearings as permitted by law.
    • Collaborate with attorneys on cases or projects and may also maintain her/his own independent caseload.
    • Examine public records to develop cases, identify property owners and lienholders, and conduct research to identify and locate parties for service of process.
    • Maintain and regularly update template forms, legal pleadings, and other documents.
    • Assist with making referrals as appropriate, resolving the problems of clients, and provide a significant amount of community outreach and education.
    • Occasional weekend and evening work will be required.
    • Perform other duties as assigned.

     

    Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

    • High School Diploma or GED
    • Must type a minimum of 50 wpm and the ability to enter data into computer.
    • Attention to detail.
    • Ability to forge positive relationships with prospects, colleagues, and the community.
    • Some knowledge of the legal system, commitment to the mission of FRLS and compassion for the clients.
    • Good organizational, interpersonal and communication skills.
    • Must be able to maximize existing resources effectively and efficiently.
    • Ability to work collaboratively and independently.
    • Working knowledge of Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) and CMS.
    • Must be able to effectively work in high pressure situations which involve deadlines.
    • Bilingual Spanish/Haitian Creole preferred but not required.
    • Good organizational, interpersonal and communication skills.
    • Ability to work collaboratively and independently.
    • Creativity and ability to maximize the use of existing resources.
    • Working knowledge of Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook), Adobe Illustrator and utilization in Legal Serve.
    • Persuasive writing, and the ability to interact at the executive level. 
    • Must be to effectively communicate with peer, supervisors, clients, and the public.
    • Must be able to effectively work in high pressure situations

     

    Working Conditions:

    • Position operates in a professional office environment.

     

    Physical Requirements:

    • Must be willing to travel. Must be able to work in a professional office environment 5 days per week.
    • Must be able to lift 20 lbs.

     

    Qualifications:

    • Demonstrated commitment to advocacy on behalf of people in poverty. Excellent oral and written communication skills.

     

    Salary:

    • Salary depending on experience.

     

    Accessibility

    • FRLS is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage all applicants to apply. Should you need assistance applying for a position, please contact us at hr@frls.org or 1-888-582-3410.

     

    Current Employees

    • Employees are encouraged to apply for opportunities that support their career growth and advancement within the FRLS organization. Please follow the application process for consideration.

     

    EEOC Statement

    • Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc., does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other characteristic protected by federal, state of local law.