Be a part of an organization making a difference in the Central Florida community! As an Orlando Business Journal’s 2021 Best Places to Work Honoree, Orlando Sentinel’s 2022 Best Workplaces Honoree, and a SHRM Mental Health Ally, Community Legal Services (CLS) is a full service civil legal aid law firm that promotes equal access to justice, specifically for the most vulnerable individuals in our society.

CLS offers:

• 15 paid holidays and 24 days of paid time off
• Excellent physical/mental health, vision, and benefits (With 95% of benefits paid for by company)
• 100% Coverage with Dental Benefits, Life Insurance, Long/Short Term Disability
• 100% 403B match after 1 year of employment (5%)
• CLS pays Bar Dues and CLE Credits
• Student loan reimbursement for Attorneys
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Ability to apply for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Fantastic work-life balance
• Various opportunities for upward mobility into leadership/more advanced roles
• Pet Insurance
• Wellness Committee dedicated to employee morale, with events such as company wide retreats, activities, and challenges!

CLS is currently searching for a service-minded, mission driven individual to fulfill the following position:

Paralegal-Older Adults Unit (SIGN ON BONUS, READ BELOW!)

OVERVIEW

Reports to and receives general direction from Senior Manager, Staff Attorney or designee, the Paralegal-Older Adults Unit provides paraprofessional legal services to eligible clients in civil, family and other cases, under the direct supervision of an attorney, in accordance with the program’ mission and principles of advocacy, other program guidelines, the ABA Standards for Providers of Civil Legal Services and the Florida Rules of Professional Conduct. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Represents clients within the entire CLS service area which may require frequent travel throughout the area that occur at night or on the weekends;
2. Screen, assesses, and determines client eligibility for legal services in accordance with program policies and procedures;
3. Gathers information, interviews clients and witnesses; investigates and develops cases; prepares written     reports to attorneys detailing the results of the investigation;
4. Makes and follows up on referrals of clients to appropriate alternative or additional sources of assistance;
5. Greets clients, applicants and other visitors to the office in a courteous, and polite manner;
6. Answers telephone and refers callers to appropriate staff members, other CLS offices or other     agencies, as appropriate;
7. Opens mail and provides other clerical services as necessary;
8. Works jointly in partnership with supervising attorney on assigned cases;
9. Draft high-quality, polished pre-suit, administrative and litigation correspondence and pleadings;
10. Represents clients at administrative hearings within the guidelines governing advocacy by non-attorneys;
11. Maintains accurate, complete, well-organized case/project records, time records, and files;
12. Performs legal research including use of computer-based databases, e.g., Lexis and computerized practice software;
13. Provide notarial services for firm clients;
14. Conduct public records searches and record requests;
15. Analyze high volumes of data;
16. Serves process and executes appropriate affidavits of service; serves witness subpoenas and other papers,      as requested; files legal papers with appropriate courts;
17. May participate in the orientation and training of employees;
18. Keeps abreast of new areas of the law, particularly as it affects low-income and vulnerable populations;
19. Conducts informational presentations, as needed;
20. Participates in outreach to clients and community groups;
21. Participates in fundraising activities and public relations, as requested;
22. Actively participates in umbrella groups and task forces;
23. May perform duties of Office Administrator as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

1.  Commitment         

a.    Demonstrating commitment to promoting the mission, vision, and values of CLS.

b.   Unwavering dedication to high-quality legal programs, fiscal strength, and organizational integrity.

2.  Background and Experience

1. Legal Studies Education and/or Paralegal certification.
2. Law firm experience (3+years), experience in support of litigation and commitment working with low-income and/or vulnerable clients and communities on civil legal matters also a plus.
3. Bilingual (English Spanish; spoken and written fluency) preferred.
4. Proven ability to produce high-quality, precise, and detailed written content.
5. Exceptional legal writing and editing skills with a strong command of grammar and style.
6. Excellent phone manner and professional customer service ability required, with superior organizational and highly polished communication and writing skills.
7. Highly organized and proactive with demonstrated experience in prioritizing tasks, tracking multiple projects, meeting competing deadlines, and managing daily responsibilities efficiently.
8. Must be a self-motivated, professional, and capable of independently managing workload and prioritizing tasks in a fast-paced legal environment with minimal supervision. 
9. Microsoft Office Suite proficiency required. 
10. Ability to perform duties and attend meetings and/or other functions throughout 12 county service area.
11. Valid Florida automobile license, use of own auto, and proof of insurance necessary.
12. Ability to work independently.
13. Available to travel and work weekends and evenings.
14. Ability to be bonded as a Notary.

3.  Physical Requirements

a. Prolonged periods siting at a desk and working on a computer.

b.  Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times. 

STARTING SALARY: $50,000+, more with experience. Plus 10% sign on bonus of offered salary!

GENERAL STATEMENT

CLS is an Equal Opportunity Employer: We value a diverse workforce and the promotion of inclusive culture at all levels.

CLS does not discriminate against any employee or qualified applicant for employment from all qualified individuals on the basis of age, race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, marital or familial status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, sex, disability, socio-economic position, religion, political belief, protected genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal or State law.

The statements contained in this job description reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility. It should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload.