Paralegal

About the Center for Heirs’ Property Preservation

The Center for Heirs’ Property Preservation (CHPP), a statewide non-profit organization that provides education, legal services, and advocacy to historically under-served families in South Carolina, is seeking a dedicated and motivated individual for a limited-term position with our organization. This role is a project-based position and is expected to conclude in Fall 2026. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to a meaningful initiative within Charles Country's Settlement Communities, gaining valuable experience while working alongside a dynamic team. Please note that this position is temporary in nature and will end upon completion of the project in Fall 2026. We encourage individuals, looking for structured, project-focused opportunity to apply.

Under general supervision of the Director of Legal Services, the Paralegal handles casework that may include client contact, preliminary preparation of pleadings and Probate Court estate administration forms, research, file and database maintenance, conducting outreach, coordinating attorneys’ calendars and court-case calendars. Collaborating with the legal team, successful fielding phone calls, providing information to clients, and acting as liaison between departments.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct intakes to determine whether clients are eligible for services provided by the Center.
• Assists in the preparation of pleadings, memorandums and other legal documents under the supervision and guidance of the attorney.
• Assists heirs' property clients in preparing genealogies.
• Handle probate estate administration from initial filing through estate closure.
• Maintain accurate database to meet grant reporting requirements.
• Maintain proper organization of files and ensure proper documentation is presented to the courts.

Qualifications:

• Graduate of an accredited paralegal program, college or university, or the equivalent education and experience
• 3 to 5 years of work related experience in the areas of property and/or probate law
• Working knowledge of the SC Rules of Civil Procedure and the Probate Code
• Experience either in working or volunteering for a nonprofit social service organization
• Experience in maintaining financial records
• Proficiency in all Microsoft Office Suite software
• Capability to maintain a client and program outcome tracking database
• Computer proficiency preferred in Microsoft Word, Microsoft 360, Excel,, and Sales Force.
• Must have a genuine interest in interacting with people from diverse backgrounds. Puts others at ease and is proactive and patient in building relationships.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and strong oral and written communications skills
• Proven ability to work as part of a team in shared office space
• Empathetic to the special values and challenges of heirs’ property owners
• Able to work evenings and weekends, as needed/required

Who we are:

CHPP, a statewide nonprofit organization established in January 2005, has a mission to protects heirs' and promotes the sustainable use of land to increase the economic, benefit to historically under-served families. CHPP accomplishes this mission by providing education, advocacy, legal services, and forestry technical assistance to these landowners.

In addition, CHPP has a national and regional leadership role in providing expertise on the issue of heirs' property and in developing business models for best practices in the work needed to address the heirs' in all its complexity.

How to Apply:

Applicants should submit the listed items via email to:

CHPPHR@heirsproperty.org, Attention: Sonya Laribo, Human Resources

• Cover letter that states why you are interested in the open position, and salary requirements.
• Resume
• the names, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of three professional references.

NOTE: Applications are not complete without a cover letter, references and resume.

No calls, please, regarding this opportunity; however, feel free to view the Center’s website at www.heirsproperty.org for additional information.

Salary & Benefits Information

Hiring salary: $0.00

CHPP's 37.50 hours workweek, allowing employees to maintain a healthy work-life balance while serving the Center's clients and fulfilling its mission. Excellent benefits package that includes employer paid health and dental coverage, up to 16 paid paid holidays, 20 days of accrued vacation and sick time, disability, and life insurance options, an annual professional development allowance of $1,200, a cellphone stipend, a company laptop, and mileage reimbursements.

Equal Employment Opportunity and Reasonable Accommodation

CHPP is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with Federal Law this organization is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. (Not all prohibited bases apply)

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $35,000.00 - $41,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $35,000 - $41,000