Legal Secretary

Florida Rural Legal Services is seeking a Legal Secretary for its Belle Glade office location to undertake a variety of administrative and clerical tasks. The Legal Secretary will enhance the attorney effectiveness by providing information-management support, representing the attorney to clients and others. The goal is to sustain efficiency of all office procedures and case management to guarantee reliability and consistency.

Essential Functions:

1. Share responsibilities of a receptionist when said employee is absent or engaged in other work.

2. Opening files, closing files, general office filing, maintaining advocate and office filing and statistical systems, sorting, and preparing and delivering case folders as required.

3. Proof-reading and correcting letters, briefs, motions, memoranda and other documents.

4. Transcribing properly taped material from a Dictaphone or dictation accurately and efficiently. Transcribing records or judicial or administrative proceedings.

5. Scheduling appointments, making business travel arrangements, and all other arrangements for business meetings in FRLS offices or other places.

6. Transacting routine business, such as banking and post office business, as required. Occasionally, a secretary will deliver or pick-up business documents or other material, engage in fact-gathering, and assist at depositions when not unusually burdensome.

7. Gathering information by telephone, and otherwise assisting attorneys and paralegals.

8. Maintaining the library, maintaining records or checking accounts and other financial records, maintaining petty cash, keeping accurate statistics, acting as office or work group timekeeper, and other administrative tasks as they arise.

9. Composing and completing letters, forms, memos, and routine legal documents with proficiency in spelling, punctuation and grammar.

10. Assisting with on-the-job orientation and training for new staff.

11. Handle mail.

12. Perform other duties as they are reasonable and related to the function of a secretary.

13. Participate in such meetings and training as shall be provided by FRLS.

14. Perform preliminary intake or screening interviews and determining financial eligibility, including completing intake sheets.

15. Scheduling of client appointments, unless otherwise performed by attorneys or paralegals.

16. Acquire new skills and knowledge such as learning how to scan documents, complete electronic filing and knowing and implementing any other function/procedure required by the courts.

17. All other Duties assigned.

1. High School Diploma or GED
2. Must type a minimum of 55 wpm and the ability to enter data into computer.
3. Attention to detail.
4. Ability to forge positive relationships with prospects, colleagues, and the community.
5. Some knowledge of the legal system, commitment to the mission of FRLS and compassion for the clients.
6. Good organizational, interpersonal and communication skills.
7. Must be able to effectively and efficiently maximize existing resources.
8. Ability to work collaboratively and independently.
9. Working knowledge of Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) and CMS.
10. Must be able to effectively work in high pressure situations which involve deadlines.
11. Bilingual English and Spanish or Haitian Creole preferred.

Working Conditions:

Position operates in a professional work environment.

Physical Requirements:

1. This is a largely sedentary role; however, some lifting of office supplies up to 20 pounds may be required.
2. Must be able to travel to local court or post office etc.

Direct Reports: None

Reports to: Office Manager

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.