Fair Housing Paralegal

Community Legal Services • Orlando, FL

19h • Hybrid

About The Position

Community Legal Services (CLS) is a full-service civil legal aid law firm dedicated to promoting equal access to justice for vulnerable individuals in Central Florida. Recognized for its positive work environment, CLS is seeking a mission-driven Fair Housing Paralegal to provide paraprofessional legal services to eligible clients under attorney supervision. The role involves assisting clients throughout the CLS service area, managing case files, conducting legal research, and participating in community outreach.

Requirements

• Commitment to promoting the mission, vision, and values of CLS.
• Unwavering dedication to high-quality legal programs, fiscal strength, and organizational integrity.
• Commitment to continued learning and training.
• Must be a Registered Florida Registered Paralegal (FRP).
• Experience with Fair Housing.
• Law firm experience (2+years).
• Experience in support of litigation.
• Commitment working with low-income and/or vulnerable clients and communities on civil legal matters.
• Excellent phone and in-person professional customer service ability.
• Superior organizational and highly polished communication and writing skills.
• Must be a self-motivated, professional, and capable of independently managing workload and prioritizing tasks in a fast-paced legal environment with minimal supervision.
• Microsoft Office Suite (including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) proficiency required.
• Valid Florida license, use of own auto, and proof of insurance necessary to perform duties and attend meetings and/or other functions throughout 12 county service area.
• Ability to work independently and to travel.

Nice To Haves

• Florida Notary a plus.
• Bilingual (English Spanish; spoken and written fluency) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assists clients within the entire Community Legal Services (CLS) service area which may require frequent travel throughout the CLS service areas for meetings.
• Completes Client Intake processes and determines client eligibility for legal services in accordance with program policies and procedures.
• Gathers information, interviews clients and witnesses; investigates and develops cases; prepares written reports to attorneys detailing the results of the interview/investigation.
• Makes and follows up on referrals of clients to appropriate alternative or additional sources of assistance.
• Works jointly in partnership with supervising attorney on assigned cases.
• Maintains accurate, complete, well-organized electronic case/project records, files, and calendars.
• Performs legal research including use of computer-based databases, e.g., Thomson-Reuters/Casetext computerized practice software.
• Keeps abreast of new areas of the law, particularly landlord-tenant, fair housing and civil rights law.
• Files and e-files legal papers with appropriate courts, including federal and state courts.
• Participates in outreach to clients and community groups to strengthen community partnerships.
• As requested, participates in fundraising activities and public relations.
• May participate in the orientation and training of employees and volunteers, including but not limited to law school interns.
• Actively participates in umbrella groups and task forces.
• Greets clients, applicants, and other visitors to the office in a courteous and polite manner.
• Answers telephones and refers callers to appropriate staff members, other CLS offices or other agencies, as appropriate.
• Opens and distributes mail and provides other clerical services, as necessary.
• Coordinates and schedules hearings, conferences, depositions and other events, as assigned.
• May perform duties of the work of higher or lower classified positions, as assigned.

Benefits

• 15 paid holidays
• 24 days of paid time off
• 100% employer-paid health, dental, life, and disability insurance
• Vision coverage at minimal employee cost
• 100% 403B match up to 5% after 1 year of employment
• 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!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed