Paralegal - Fort Worth - Veteran Services
Company: Legal Aid of Northwest
Location: Fort Worth
Posted on: August 7, 2022
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Job Description:
POSITION ANNOUNCEMENTPOSITION: Paralegal (Full-Time
Position)CLOSING DATE: Position Immediately Available and Closed
When FilledLOCATION: Fort Worth, TexasOVERVIEW: Legal Aid of
NorthWest Texas (LANWT) seeks a dynamic, self-starting paralegal
who has vision, initiative, and a demonstrated commitment to public
interest law to fill a paralegal position in Fort
Worth.DESCRIPTION: LANWT is a non-profit public interest law firm
that provides high-quality free civil legal services to low-income
persons in 114 counties in North and West Texas.DUTIES AND
RESPONSIBILITIES: The paralegal, under the direct supervision of a
licensed attorney will be assigned clients, tasks, assignments and
projects with expectations that all work is to be completed in
accordance with LANWT's policies and procedures and attorneys'
responsibilities under the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional
Conduct, Texas Lawyers Creed and the American Bar Associations
Standards for Providers of Civil Legal Services to the Poor. Other
responsibilities include:A paralegal may provide paraprofessional
legal services to eligible clients in civil, family and other cases
in accordance with the program's mission and principles of
advocacy, other program guidelines, and under the direct
supervision of an attorney, according to the Rules of Professional
Conduct.A paralegal may participate in outreach and community legal
education to clients and community groups, as assigned by a
supervisor, so as to provide clients or others with information and
assistance in program priority areas and to build a strong positive
working relationship between the program and the client or group.A
paralegal may assist an attorney or other advocate in representing
clients or working with community groups.Conduct intake by
answering and returning applicant and client calls; conducting
initial client screening, referring clients who are ineligible for
LANWT service to other resources or providers, and creating
electronic client files.Investigating and developing cases and
projects assigned, including conducting necessary interviews.Making
and following up on the referrals of clients to appropriate
alternative or additional sources of assistance.Drafting pleadings,
orders, letters, memos, and other written materials relating to
assigned cases or projects.File legal papers/pleadings at the
courthouse or through e-filing, including setting hearing dates,
and interacting with court staff, opposing parties and
clients.Maintaining accurate, complete, well-organized records and
files regarding cases and projects assigned.Developing specialized
skills and knowledge in assigned areas and remain current on new
developments in that area.Translating for clients who speak a
different language than their advocate (if applicable).Seeking and
accepting supervision and guidance from supervising attorneys on
cases and projects assigned.Participating in in-house training
programs and staff meetings and activities.Reporting caseload
statistics and other information regarding his/her activities and
advocacy to the immediate supervisor, Director of Litigation and/or
Deputy Director on a regular basis or as requested.Traveling to
administrative agencies and elsewhere in connection with the above
responsibilities.Develop a working knowledge of the law
commensurate with his/her level of experience in areas of principal
concern to LANWT's clients. Similarly, develop legal skills (such
as fact gathering, research, writing and negotiation) and a
knowledge of procedure (such as administrative and court rules of
practice, discovery and pleading).Keep apprised of changes in the
law and other issues that may affect LANWT's client population, and
advise management and other staff of such issues.Develop a
knowledge of, work with, and make referrals to social service
agencies and other agencies that can help LANWT's clients.Represent
clients at hearings and other applicable guidelines governing
advocacy by non-attorneys.Provide coordination of Veteran services
throughout LANWT's service area.Provide LANWT's Administrative
Office with information on the nature and extent of services he/she
provides.Performance of any other duties which may from
time-to-time be assigned by the Managing Attorney, Deputy Director
and Chief Executive Officer.QUALIFICATIONS:Associate's Degree and
paralegal certification is preferred.Prior work in the areas of
expunctions, nondisclosures, employment, housing, landlord-tenant,
consumer, probate, Veteran Benefits, social security and/or other
public benefits experience preferred.Prior legal services, public
interest, or volunteer experience serving low-income persons and/or
Veterans preferred.Willingness to obtain accreditation to handle
Veteran Benefit claims.Candidate must be detail oriented, organized
and self-motivated.Ability to establish priorities and meet
deadlines.Excellent communication skills, both verbal and
written.Ability to interact professionally and courteously with
individuals at all levels.Excellent computer skills with use of
Microsoft products preferred.Ability to work independently and
exercise good judgment while maintaining client confidentiality,
integrity, and discretion in the performance of all duties.Ability
to engage in occasional work related travel throughout LANWT's
service area.Excellent attendance record.SALARY: Current
entry-level salary is $33,000 per year. The salary for the
successful candidate may be significantly higher, based on
candidate's years of experience. The paralegal is a non-exempt
employee subject to state and federal wage and hour laws.BENEFITS:
Excellent benefits package that includes paid vacation and
holidays; a retirement plan; health, dental, and life
insurance.Please submit a cover letter expressing interest, a
resume, and a list of professional references during the
application process.LEGAL AID OF NORTHWEST TEXAS IS AN EQUAL
OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERVETERANS ENCOURAGED TO APPLY
Keywords: Legal Aid of Northwest, Fort Worth , Paralegal - Fort Worth - Veteran Services, Legal , Fort Worth, Texas
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