Intake Manager Paralegal

Equality Ohio•Columbus, OH

2d•$52,000 - $67,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Intake Manager Paralegal serves as the first point of contact for individuals seeking legal services through Equality Ohio. This role ensures that LGBTQ+ individuals across Ohio, particularly those who are transgender, nonbinary, BIPOC, and/or low-income are met with respect, empathy and a trauma-informed approach by managing day-to-day operations of the Clinic’s intake department. You will gather essential information, assess legal needs and coordinate appropriate legal referrals, working closely with our legal team to ensure equitable access to affirming representation. You will also be responsible for placement of case referrals to our pro bono law firm partners, as well as for following up on the placement and outcome of those cases. You will be responsible for project management of projects directly related to the legal clinic’s strategic development goals in coordination and collaboration with the Director of Legal Advocacy. You will also be responsible for litigation support for Legal Clinic attorneys, including drafting client correspondence, assisting with trial preparation, and assisting with filing cases and pleadings. Through compassionate communication and efficient coordination, you’ll directly support Equality Ohio’s mission to advance lived and legal equality for all Ohioans.

Requirements

Minimum of 2 years relevant experience providing legal, paralegal, case management, or other relevant support in a legal service, nonprofit, or law office setting, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
Familiarity with legal ethics and the Ohio Rules of Professional Responsibility.
Strong commitment to LGBTQ+ equity, with awareness of lived experiences and legal issues facing LGBTQ+ Ohioans and families.
Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks with attention to detail.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.
Comfortable handling sensitive information with professionalism and discretion.
Able to work independently and collaboratively in a hybrid work environment.
Demonstrated commitment to providing culturally humble, client-centered service to individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Commitment to the mission, vision and values of Equality Ohio.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with LGBTQ+ or trans-focused organizations and populations.
Proficiency with CLIO and Lawmatics or other similar case management and client intake systems.
Experience working with clients who face barriers to accessing traditional legal services.
Knowledge of Ohio legal systems or public benefits programs.
Experience in developing plain-language legal resources, such as know your rights materials and pro se client guides.
Paralegal certification or other formal legal support training.

Responsibilities

Respond promptly and professionally to phone and online intake inquiries.
Collect and document demographic and legal issue information for all potential clients.
Assess potential client needs and determine if they are appropriate for in-house representation or referral, including working collaboratively with potential clients to gather information and documentation needed to advance their legal matters through the intake process.
Prepare and discuss weekly conflicts checks with the legal team in accordance with internal best practices.
Ensure that all potential clients follow the normal cadence of the intake system, as defined in the Clinic’s intake operation policies and procedures.
Mentor legal interns/externs/fellows and Clinic support staff who are working within the intake system.
Approach all client interactions with cultural humility, respect for client autonomy, and understanding of the diverse needs and barriers that clients may have encountered.
Provide administrative support to attorneys throughout the life of a client matter.
Assist attorneys in identifying and addressing barriers that clients may face in accessing legal services, courts, and other systems.
Assist with drafting and formatting pleadings, including motions, discovery requests, correspondence, and other legal documents under attorney supervision.
Assist attorneys with preparations for hearings, trials, and mediations.
Assist in maintaining accurate and timely case notes, including entering demographic information, notes, and documents into case management systems.
Handle confidential and sensitive client information in accordance with ethical, legal, and internal organizational requirements.
Develop and draft monthly ARN newsletters in collaboration with the Legal Director and Director of Development and Communications.
Ensure that ARN data is up-to-date and accurate.
Participate in development of projects related to Clinic’s strategic goals for the ARN.
Participate in legal team departmental meetings and all-staff meetings.
Assist with strategic development and review of the intake system.
Assist with general office tasks and special projects.
Provide input to support grant reporting and funder communications.
As capacity allows, provide additional case support to Clinic staff attorneys.
Assist in the preparation and presentation of community-facing Know-Your-Rights materials.
Assist in planning and staffing Legal Clinic and organization-wide community events, such as pop-up clinics, Prides, and presentations, as capacity allows.
Participate in other organizational and community events as determined by the Legal Director.

Benefits

Competitive salary $52,000-$67,000
Generous time off package, including four (4) weeks combined paid time off (vacation, sick, etc.), ten (10) paid holidays, fifteen (15) days of paid organizational shutdown breaks
Health and vision insurance with minimal employee contribution ($110 per month + $110 per month for optional family coverage)
Employee-paid dental insurance
Paid Family Leave and sabbatical opportunities based on length of service
FSA with employer $25 per month contribution
Employer-paid life insurance
Access to optional employee-paid insurance coverage, including long-term disability coverage.
403-B plan with 1% employer matching
Digital security services.
Multiple stipend opportunities, including cell phone and professional development stipends.