Paralegal A | Nashville, TN
About The Position
Southern Migrant Legal Services (SMLS), a Project of Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (TRLA), is seeking a Paralegal A for its Nashville office. The paralegal must be fluent in written and spoken English and Spanish. Preference will be given to applicants with a demonstrated commitment to social justice, especially in the areas of workers' and immigrants’ rights. This is an in-person position at the Nashville office location. SMLS provides free employment-related legal services to seasonal and migrant farm, poultry, catfish, nursery, and forestry workers in Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee. Most of SMLS’s work is employment litigation in federal court. SMLS’s litigation has included representation of farmworkers (including victims of labor trafficking) with claims under various federal acts and state laws. SMLS also assists victims of labor trafficking and severe workplace crimes to obtain immigration relief. A Paralegal A duties and responsibilities are essential to ensuring that eligible clients receive timely legal assistance, thorough case preparation, and meaningful representation.
Requirements
- Fluency in English and Spanish
- Possess verbal, reading and writing skills sufficient to comprehend administrative law manuals and to adequately advocate on behalf of clients
- Valid driver's license
- Proficient word processing, internet, and office skills
Nice To Haves
- Demonstrated commitment to social justice, especially in the areas of workers' and immigrants’ rights.
- College degree or equivalent paralegal experience
- Excellent verbal communication and writing skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team of attorneys, paralegals, social workers, and staff located throughout TRLA’s 68-county service area
- Ability to manage high-volume urgent deadlines
- Dedication to serving low-income, vulnerable, underserved populations
Responsibilities
- Conduct intakes with clients, including eligibility screenings and substantive interviews, in person and through remote communication systems (telephone, video);
- Maintain regular communication with clients through meetings, telephone calls, and written correspondence, ensuring clients are informed of case developments and upcoming deadlines;
- Coordinate with team members and stakeholders to facilitate client communication, appointments, case-related activities, and administrative processes;
- Conduct follow-up and fact investigation in assigned cases, including gathering evidence, requesting records, and researching applicable law;
- Interview clients and witnesses and draft declarations statements;
- With attorney supervision, prepare forms and legal documents, including but not limited to interview preparation materials, motions, filings with administrative agencies, and other affirmative filings;
- Gather and organize evidence, including medical and mental health records;
- Communicate with and interview clients, witnesses, family members, and other contacts to develop the factual record in each case;
- Assist attorneys in case strategy development and hearing preparation;
- Schedule, organize, and facilitate attorney-client meetings;
- Present legal education and know-your-rights materials for clients, including rights advisories, procedural guides, and orientation presentations;
- Maintain accurate and complete client files and administrative records in compliance with program standards;
- Provide document translation and interpretation services for clients;
- Provide legal information and referrals to individuals who are not accepted for direct representation;
- Attend and participate in community group meetings and educational forums to conduct intake and make community legal education presentations;
- Track hearing dates, filing deadlines, and other critical case milestones to ensure timely completion of all deliverables;
- Perform other related duties and tasks as assigned by Team Managers and attorneys
- Conducting outreach in rural areas (especially during evenings and weekends);
- Performing client intakes;
- Preparing community legal education materials and conducting Know Your Rights presentations;
- Investigating cases;
- Communicating with community organizations, the media, and other service providers;
- Referring individuals to other agencies and private attorneys and any other duties as necessary.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
