Paralegal - Bankruptcy

The Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County is a nonprofit charitable law firm dedicated to ensuring equal access to the justice system for the low-income, disadvantaged and traditionally underserved residents of Palm Beach County.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Bankruptcy Paralegal will work with and provide support to the attorneys representing debtors, creditors, committees and other parties in Chapter 7 cases. Serves as the initial contact for potential clients of the Bankruptcy Assistance Program. Screens applicants to determine their eligibility for Legal Aid services, initially assesses their legal issues, checks for conflicts of interest, schedules intake appointments, drafts pleadings and refers callers to community resources and other departments within Legal Aid Society. Maintains call logs/records, enters client data in the Legal Server database, drafts letters and other documents, performs clerical/administrative tasks, and assists staff with outreach activities. Researches and maintains knowledge of current consumer protection laws, investigates facts, and prepares cases. Work is continually monitored and evaluated by the unit attorney, and they receive annual written evaluations from the supervising attorney. Work schedule is as follows;generally, Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. with occasional evening or weekend work.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Draft and e-file petitions using CM/ECF in the United States Bankruptcy Court.
• Assist staff attorney with hearing preparation and communicating with co-counsel and creditors.
• Makes client telephone calls and performs case screening for Bankruptcy Assistance Program clients.
• Performs client intake and prepares cases, including extensive investigations on various databases and court dockets.
• Maintains general administrative work – prepares files, updates/maintains case management system and other similar duties.
• Performs trainings/presentations and provides assistance at outreach and workshops.
• Prepares/orders and distributes bankruptcy and consumer flyers, brochures and other materials at fairs and community organizations.
• Attends staff and other meetings in the community as assigned.
• Keeps accurate accounting of time spent on each client's case through the online case management system.
• Stays current on emerging professional information.
• Maintains confidentiality of all information handled.
• Complies with all agency policies and procedures.
• Works with other staff members to form a positive, supportive team atmosphere.
• Must work the days and hours to perform all assigned responsibilities and tasks, and be punctual and timely in meeting all performance requirements, including but not limited to, attendance standards and work deadlines.
• Must maintain courteous, professional and effective working relationships with employees and clients of the organization.
• Assists the supervising attorney or Executive Director with special projects, assignments and any additional duties as deemed appropriate or as needed.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Organization Management or related field required. Paralegal degree or related work experience required – may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.
• Knowledge of current bankruptcy and consumer protection laws.
• Computer literate; knowledge of Best Case bankruptcy program, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and general Microsoft Office applications.
• Familiarity with e-filing and the Federal Bankruptcy Rules.
• Proficiency in typing, spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
• Excellent attention to detail, judgment, organization, and efficiency, problem-solving and analytical skills in order to perform accurate case analysis.
• Capacity to learn and adapt.
• Dependability, initiative, motivation, and concern for interest of clients.
• Ability to work well with others.
• Strong, positive communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and responsibly.
• High ethical standards.

SALARY: Salary range depending on experience. Full benefits package in addition to salary includes:

• Vacation leave earnings equal 2.4 weeks a year (beginning the first of the month after 30 days of employment) and increases to 3 weeks a year after two years of employment.
• Sick leave earnings equal 2.4 weeks a year (beginning the first of the month after 30 days of employment).
• 13-15 paid holidays per year (depending on court schedule).
• Health, dental and vision insurance (beginning first of the month after 30 days of employment).
• Employer paid short-term disability/long-term disability and life insurance (beginning first of the month after 30 days of employment).
• Employer matches up to 3% of 401K plan contribution (eligible after one year of service).
• Salary paid bi-weekly by direct deposit.
• Mileage and reimbursements processed weekly.

APPLICATION PROCESS AND DEADLINE: Send resume and cover letter with salary requirements by Friday, May 9, 2025.

The Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. EOE ADA

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: In person