Paralegal - Rural Justice Grant

Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas•Waxahachie, TX

13h•$19 - $29•Hybrid

About The Position

Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas (LANWT), a nonprofit public interest law firm, provides free civil legal services to low-income individuals and families across 114 counties in North and West Texas. LANWT seeks a self-motivated paralegal committed to public interest law. Depending on office needs and experience, the role may focus on case support or managing an assigned caseload from intake through resolution under the ongoing supervision and authority of a licensed attorney. The position is hybrid and based in Waxahachie, Texas, with other listed Texas locations. Frequent travel to courts, agencies, and community locations is required. The paralegal provides legal support and advocacy to eligible clients in civil matters and must not practice law independently. Work may span housing, family law, consumer rights and bankruptcy, employment and tax law, public benefits and Social Security, probate, foreclosure prevention, education and health law, and other civil legal areas. The position also supports outreach, legal education, disaster-related casework, and strategic advocacy as assigned. The position requires regular computer and standard office equipment use, occasional lifting and moving of files or materials, and periodic travel. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The role is non-exempt and subject to state and federal wage and hour laws. The current entry-level salary is $40,150 per year, with potentially higher pay based on experience.

Requirements

Strong organizational skills; attention to detail; self-motivation; and ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and professional, courteous interpersonal abilities.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and related computer applications.
Ability to manage emotions and handle client and colleague interactions calmly and professionally, including empathetic engagement with clients in crisis or experiencing trauma and de-escalation of difficult interactions.
Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment, discretion, and confidentiality under attorney supervision.
Ability to manage an independent caseload, track deadlines, and monitor case status when serving as a case handler under attorney supervision.
Ability to understand, apply, and stay current on Legal Services Corporation regulations, LANWT policies and procedures, and grant and funding compliance requirements.
Strong work ethic, accountability, and professionalism.
Ability and willingness to travel frequently, maintain reliable attendance, and accommodate significant travel and in-office work as needed.

Nice To Haves

Associate's degree and paralegal certification.
Spanish fluency, verbal and written.

Responsibilities

Provide paraprofessional legal assistance to eligible clients in civil legal matters, consistent with program priorities and attorney supervision.
When assigned, manage designated cases from intake through resolution under the supervision and authority of a licensed attorney.
Conduct client intake, screening, and referrals, and create and maintain accurate electronic case files.
Assist with case development through client interviews, fact gathering, research, and investigation, using trauma-informed and culturally competent practices.
Draft pleadings, orders, correspondence, and other legal documents; file documents in person or electronically; coordinate hearings; and communicate with courts, opposing parties, and clients.
Support attorneys and advocates in client representation and community-based work, including outreach and legal education.
Maintain organized case records and track case status, statistics, and required reporting.
Develop and maintain knowledge of assigned legal practice areas and relevant laws, procedures, and issues affecting LANWT clients.
Build relationships with social service agencies and make appropriate client referrals.
Provide translation or interpretation for clients when applicable.
Participate in training, staff meetings, and supervision, and seek guidance as needed.
Travel to courts, agencies, and community locations in support of casework.
Maintain knowledge of and comply with Legal Services Corporation regulations, LANWT policies and procedures, and grant and funding requirements.
Perform other duties assigned by the managing attorney, deputy director, or CEO.
Depending on assigned practice areas, assist with matters including housing, family law, consumer rights and bankruptcy, employment and tax law, public benefits and Social Security, probate, foreclosure prevention, education and health law, and other civil legal needs.