PARALEGAL

POSITION: PARALEGAL

STATUS: NONEXEMPT

WAGE PER HOUR: $18.51 – 19.71

LOCATION: Gulfport, MS

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: Northcutt Legal Clinic Director

HOURS: Full Time, 40-hour work week: Monday – Friday. Some evening and weekend work may be required.

SUMMARY: Major support for clinic attorneys. Prepares pleadings in all routine cases, including complaints, process, notices, and motions. Schedules all court appearances, handles correspondence with other legal offices. Schedules client conferences, either by phone, zoom, or in office. Manages Northcutt Legal Clinic office including administrative requirements. Conducts initial client screenings when the Legal Advocate is unavailable.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS: Minimum requirements of bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies social work, or related field, and 2 years’ experience in law office operations. Three (3) years of relevant experience in legal office may be substituted for degree requirement.

Ability to work within agency mission, philosophy and policies/procedures.

Must be able to work effectively with diverse groups of clients, staff and individuals in the community.

Ability to work diplomatically in order to gain and maintain professional relationships with volunteers, donors, community partners, vendors, business contacts, government officials, and elected officials.

Must have a reliable vehicle and meet agency driving policy requirements, including a valid driver license and proof of required automobile insurance. Travel required.

Knowledge of interpersonal violence and community resources.

Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously; work both independently and in a team environment.

Ability to work with minimal supervision; multi-task and meet stringent deadlines; and be self-motivated and confident.

Excellent analytical and abstract reasoning skills; excellent organization skills; and ability to express complex information and ideas both verbally and in writing.

Proficient in Microsoft Office and Word Perfect

Essential position and cannot be performed remotely.

DUTIES:

LEGAL ADVOCACY

• Conduct initial screenings on victims of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking and sexual assault seeking civil legal services at the Clinic in the absents of the Legal Advocate
• Provide basic safety planning to victims seeking services
• Complete forms utilized by the legal clinic
• Refer victims of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking and sexual assault to appropriate services within their respective communities
• Work in conjunction with other program components and staff to ensure effective communication of all client concerns, recommendations, and needs
• Liaison with community agencies and referral sources to better serve the Clinic's client population
• Prepare court pleadings and review them with clients prior to filing with Court.
• Coordinate cases with various court clerks and judges.
• Draft correspondence, set cases for trial, schedule conferences between attorney and clients.

OFFICE MANAGEMENT

• Greet all visitors to office
• Perform general clerical duties
• Set up and maintain client files, digital and paper
• Submit requests for purchase orders and check payments
• Assist Chief Financial Officer in accounting services for Legal Clinic
• Compile and complete monthly and semiannual statistical information

OTHER DUTIES

· Participate in hurricane evacuation and facility preparation.

· In case of emergencies and extreme circumstances, assist with 24-hour shelter coverage

· Work in conjunction with other program components and staff to ensure effective communication of agency and client concerns, recommendations, and needs.

AGENCY COMPLIANCE

• Maintain comprehensive and organized files utilizing the automated data and case management system, Clio
• Adhere to the agency’s confidentiality policies, maintaining a high-level standard of confidentiality
• Compile and accurately report all applicable program statistics and educational activities on time and as directed
• Report any known or suspected child abuse to immediate supervisor
• Report any suspicious activity or persons
• Attend and participate in agency staff meetings and trainings
• Report to work on time as scheduled
• Maintain a valid driver license and proof of required automobile insurance
• Perform all other duties and/or participate in special projects as assigned by Legal Clinic Director, Chief Advocacy Officer and CEO.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.51 - $19.71 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• law office operations: 2 years (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $19 - $20