Legal Assistant-Public Benefits Unit

Community Legal Services•Orlando, FL

15d

About The Position

Community Legal Services (CLS) is a full-service civil legal aid law firm that promotes equal access to justice, particularly for vulnerable individuals in the Central Florida community. The Legal Assistant in the Public Benefits Unit provides clerical and administrative support to attorneys and paralegals and may provide specific services to clients under their direction. The position reports to and receives general direction from Managers, Staff Attorneys, or a designee. The role includes client intake, case-file and calendar management, preparation and filing of legal documents, client and visitor support, office upkeep, and participation in outreach and other organizational activities. The position requires travel within CLS’s 12-county service area and may occasionally involve work at night or on weekends. Starting pay is $21 per hour, with more offered based on experience.

Requirements

Associate degree in any field.
Commitment to promoting CLS’s mission, vision, and values, and dedication to high-quality legal programs, fiscal strength, and organizational integrity.
Ability to travel to CLS counties as needed to provide organizational support.
Excellent communication and writing skills; self-motivation; professionalism; and ability to independently manage workload and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced legal environment with minimal supervision.
Excellent telephone manner and professional customer-service ability, with strong organization and polished communication when addressing issues with low-income clients.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
Ability to perform duties and attend meetings or other functions throughout the 12-county service area, with the possibility of occasional night or weekend work.
Valid Florida automobile license, use of a personal vehicle for CLS travel, and proof of insurance.
Ability to sit for prolonged periods at a desk and work on a computer.
Ability to lift up to 25 pounds at times.

Nice To Haves

Studies in paralegal or legal assistant fields are preferred.

Responsibilities

Conduct initial client intake and assist clients with completing applications.
Make initial determinations of clients’ financial eligibility for program services and provide appropriate referrals.
Maintain active case files and keep calendars current with appointments, court dates, and administrative hearing dates for assigned attorneys and paralegals.
Prepare and draft legal pleadings, correspondence, and other documents as directed.
Ensure responses to defaults, answers, and other filings are submitted on time and copies are sent to appropriate recipients.
Transcribe notes or dictation into correspondence, minutes, reports, and other materials.
Answer telephones; access assigned attorneys’ or paralegals’ email and voicemail for specified purposes; enter information into the online system; and provide appropriate responses and secretarial services.
Use Lexis/Westlaw and other software to enter data, obtain and complete forms, and obtain documentation as requested.
Help gather information for administrative hearings, pre-litigation investigations, and litigation discovery.
Gather and organize exhibits, documents, trial data, and other materials as needed.
Draft service-of-process documents, execute appropriate affidavits, and serve witness subpoenas and other papers as requested.
File legal papers with courts or agencies and conduct outreach to identify clients and make presentations.
Provide lunch and break relief at reception and occasionally back up other support staff.
Participate in fundraising, public relations programs, and other outside activities as requested.
Maintain equipment, supplies, and other tools necessary for smooth law-office operations.
Keep the office polished and maintained, especially for new hires, clients, and guests, and contact maintenance when necessary.
Greet clients, applicants, and visitors courteously; answer telephone calls and refer callers to appropriate staff, CLS offices, or agencies.
Open and deliver mail and provide other clerical services as necessary.
Participate in assigned outreach events.
Perform duties of higher- or lower-classified positions as assigned.

Benefits

15 paid holidays and 24 days of paid time off.
100% employer-paid health, dental, life, and disability insurance, plus vision coverage at minimal employee cost.
100% 403(b) match after one year of employment (5%).
CLS pays bar dues and continuing legal education credits.
Student loan reimbursement for attorneys.
Tuition reimbursement.
Ability to apply for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
Fantastic work-life balance.
Opportunities for upward mobility into leadership and more advanced roles.
Pet insurance.
Wellness Committee activities, including company-wide retreats, activities, and challenges.