Paralegal A | Austin
About The Position
Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (TRLA) seeks a Paralegal A to support its efforts to provide free legal services across practice areas that may include Consumer, Housing, Immigration, Public Benefits, Employment, and Family. The position is based in person at the assigned office location. TRLA provides civil legal services across Southwest Texas, including metropolitan, underserved rural, and border communities, and works with local agencies and community partners to reach vulnerable clients. The Paralegal A helps ensure eligible clients receive timely legal assistance, thorough case preparation, and meaningful representation. Working with attorneys and other team members, the paralegal conducts client intakes and investigations, prepares case materials, supports hearing preparation, communicates with clients, and maintains case records. The role also includes community legal education, referrals, interpretation and translation, and coordination of case deadlines and activities.
Requirements
- Fluency in English and Spanish.
- Verbal, reading, and writing skills sufficient to comprehend administrative law manuals and adequately advocate on behalf of clients.
Nice To Haves
- 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.
- Valid driver's license; some travel is required.
- Dedication to serving low-income, vulnerable, underserved populations.
Responsibilities
- Conduct client intakes, including eligibility screenings and substantive interviews, in person and through telephone or video systems.
- Maintain regular communication with clients about case developments and upcoming deadlines through meetings, calls, and written correspondence.
- Coordinate with team members and stakeholders on client communications, appointments, case activities, and administrative processes.
- Conduct follow-up and fact investigation, including gathering evidence, requesting records, and researching applicable law.
- Interview clients and witnesses and draft declarations and statements.
- With attorney supervision, prepare forms and legal documents, including interview preparation materials, motions, administrative agency filings, 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.
- Assist attorneys with case strategy development and hearing preparation.
- Schedule, organize, and facilitate attorney-client meetings.
- Present legal education and know-your-rights materials, 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 community group meetings and educational forums to conduct intake and deliver community legal education presentations.
- Track hearing dates, filing deadlines, and other critical case milestones to ensure timely completion of deliverables.
- Perform other related duties and tasks as assigned by Team Managers and attorneys.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
