Paralegal - Disaster Legal Services
About The Position
Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. (FRLS) is a non-profit law firm dedicated to providing free civil legal aid to eligible individuals, families, and vulnerable communities across 13 Florida counties, as well as to farm workers statewide. FRLS has been a steadfast advocate for justice for over 50 years, offering legal services in various areas including housing law, family law, consumer protection, public benefits, elder law, disaster relief, and education law. The firm partners with community organizations and pro bono attorneys to deliver quality advocacy, outreach, and education. Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. is seeking to hire a paralegal to support the Disaster Legal Services work. This role involves preparing documents such as affidavits and legal correspondence, organizing and maintaining files, filing pleadings with court clerks, and assisting with trial preparation by organizing exhibits and other tasks. Success in this role requires proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel), effective multitasking, and the ability to thrive in a busy, team-oriented environment.
Requirements
- High School diploma or GED.
- Knowledge of the legal system, commitment to the mission of FRLS and compassion for the clients.
- Ability to forge positive relationships with clients, community, and colleagues.
- Good organizational, interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively, yet independently.
- Creativity and ability to maximize the use of existing resources.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and Case Management System.
- Must be able to effectively communicate with peers, supervisors, clients and the public.
- Must be able to effectively work in high pressure situations which involve deadlines.
Nice To Haves
- Paralegal degree or certification preferred.
- Fluent in English and Spanish or Haitian Creole is preferred.
Responsibilities
- Preparing affidavits, legal correspondence, and other documents for attorneys.
- Organizing and maintaining documents in a paper or electronic filing system.
- Meeting with clients, attorneys, and other professionals to talk about case details.
- Filing pleadings with court clerk.
- Helping prepare for trial by organizing exhibits and assisting with other tasks as needed.
- Investigating facts and laws of cases and searching public records and other resources to prepare cases.
- Directing and coordinating law office activity, including delivery of subpoenas.
- Keeping the law library up to date by monitoring legal volumes.
- Other duties assigned.
Benefits
- 403(b) with employer-paid contribution
- Health insurance (medical, dental, and vision) for employees and their dependents
- Paid leave (up to 5 weeks of PTO, 2 personal days, and 13 holidays)
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
High school or GED
