Legal Secretary CRP - Hybrid Remote

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

POSITION: Legal Secretary - Community Revitalization Project (Full-Time Position)

CLOSING DATE: Position Immediately Available and Closed When Filled

LOCATION: Hybrid Remote - Fort Worth, Texas

OVERVIEW: Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas (LANWT) seeks a dynamic, self-starting legal secretary who has vision, initiative, and a demonstrated commitment to public interest law to fill a legal secretary position with the Community Revitalization Project. The Legal Secretary will be based in Fort Worth and will support the efforts of the Community Revitalization Project within LANWT's service area. The legal secretary, under the direct supervision of licensed attorneys will conduct significant outreach and community development assignments, work closely with community groups and clients; be assigned tasks and projects, all with the expectation that the work is completed in accordance with LANWT's policies and procedures and attorneys' responsibilities under the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct, Texas Lawyers Creed and the American Bar Associations Standards for Providers of Civil Legal Services to the Poor.

DESCRIPTION: Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas (LANWT) is a non-profit public interest law firm that provides high-quality free civil legal services to low-income persons and communities in 114 counties in North and West Texas.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: A legal secretary provides support for multiple full-time staff attorneys including general secretarial support, correspondence, legal pleadings, filing and providing translation and interpretation in the delivery of services to our clients. Other responsibilities include:

• Ensure compliance with Legal Services Corporation Act and regulations, as well as with LANWT's policies and procedures.
• General secretarial support, especially preparing legal documents and correspondence through typing and transcribing. Accurate proofreading of correspondence, pleadings, and reports in draft and final form.
• Provide paraprofessional legal services to eligible clients and community groups in civil areas including, affordable fair housing, environmental justice, and community development and advocacy, and other cases in accordance with the program's mission and principles of advocacy, all program guidelines, and under the direct supervision of an attorney, according to the Rules of Professional Conduct.
• Participate in significant outreach and community legal education to clients and community groups, as assigned by a supervisor, so as to provide clients or others with information and assistance in program priority areas and to build a strong positive working relationship with the program and the client or client groups.
• Filing, copying, mail distribution, answering telephones, maintaining legal files and client records, including tickler systems, calendaring and time-keeping system.
• File legal papers/pleadings at the courthouse or through e-filing, including setting hearing dates, and interacting with court staff, opposing parties and clients.
• Conduct client interviews by phone and in person. Back up for other support personnel as needed, including office mail, telephone duties and other legal assistance as requested.
• Monitor and accurately maintain case status through electronic case management system.
• Maintain phone log, visitor log, and intake schedule as required.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism toward clients, visitors, and other employees at all times.
• Performance of any other duties which may from time-to-time be assigned by the Managing Attorney, Deputy Director and Chief Executive Officer.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma, GED or equivalent.
• 3+ years of law office experience in the capacity of secretarial support is preferred.
• General knowledge and/or experienced in law office practices.
• Type minimum of 50 wpm.
• Ability to communicate and interact in a profession and courteous manner with a diverse population, including office personnel, applicants/clients, vendors, and other professional contacts.
• Candidate must be detail oriented, efficient, organized and self-motivated.
• Ability to establish priorities and meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Excellent computer skills with use of Microsoft products preferred.
• Ability to work independently and exercise good judgment and discretion in the performance of all duties.
• Fluent in Spanish - both verbal and written is preferred.
• Ability to engage in occasional work-related travel.
• Readiness to have a flexible work schedule, including commitments to evening hours and some Saturdays.
• Excellent attendance record.

SALARY: Current entry-level salary is $33,000 per year. The salary for the successful applicant may be significantly higher, based on applicant's years of experience.

BENEFITS: Excellent benefits package that includes paid vacation and holidays; a retirement plan; health, dental, and life insurance.

Please submit a cover letter expressing interest, a resume, and a list of professional references during the application process.

LEGAL AID OF NORTHWEST TEXAS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

VETERANS ENCOURAGED TO APPLY