Divisional Paralegal

General Paralegal Responsibilities:

Researches and examines law sources such as statutes, recorded judicial decisions, legal articles, and legal codes to prepare legal documents such as briefs, pleadings, EEOC position statements, wills, agency complaints, contracts, buy-sell agreements, closing papers, deeds, and trust instruments for review, approval, and use by Attorney.

Reviews all subpoenas received within the Division; delivers or directs delivery of subpoenas to witnesses and parties to action; obtains appropriate related information for further review or discussion at the Divisional and Territorial level.

Reviews all lawsuits received within the Division, coordinates appropriately, monitors and gathers facts along with documentation, etc.; prepares recommendations for the Divisional Finance Board and Board of Trustees.

Tracks all legal cases and required responses along with the associated deadlines in order to ensure all involved parties and documents are ready as scheduled and required for compliance.

Investigates facts and law of case to determine causes of action and to prepare case accordingly. May act as liaison between disputing parties.

Participates in mediations on behalf of The Salvation Army when assigned and to ensure that decisions and information shared is within assigned instructions.

Prepares affidavits of documents and maintains document file.

Assesses and inventories real and personal property for estate planning.

Plans, assigns, and supervises the work of the administrative staff responsible for supporting the proper administration of legal documents; trains and instructs employees in the proper methods and procedures; monitors work in progress and upon completion to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with established policies and procedures.

Paralegal Responsibilities specific to Estate/Probate:

Assists administrative staff in reviewing bank statements and records to verify and to the greatest degree possible ensures that The Salvation Army receive its full beneficial interest due under the terms of the applicable Will or Trust.

Coordinates, as necessary, all aspects of the estate/probate process, including coordinating for the disposition of decedents’ remains, meeting with family members, making funeral/memorial service arrangements, marshalling assets, making and keeping records of all transactions and accountings, arranging for legal counsel to the estate, performing all related estate functions necessary to the proper and appropriate administration of estates, etc. to bring such estates to completion.

Administers and coordinates the process to liquidate estate gifts in kind such as real property, mobile homes and trailers, mineral interests, and collectibles (art, stamps, coins, etc.,) utilizing whatever reputable resources that may be appropriate or available while keeping the DFB informed and seeking appropriate approvals.

Arranges for all promissory notes inherited from estates in order to collect monies pursuant to the terms of promissory note and other contracts; transmits collected monies to The Salvation Army and a record of payments to the payor and maintains appropriate collection records throughout the life of the note or contract until paid in full or reassigned.

Administers executor estates, or when appropriate, arranges for the applicable County Public Administrator and Guardian or a professional fiduciary to administer such estates.

Paralegal Responsibilities specific to Employment matters:

Assists Divisional and Territorial staff which will include all aspects of employment work including fielding calls from employment retainer clients and assisting with settlement agreements. 

Undertakes case management activities that includes, but is not limited to, maintaining files/documents, documenting meetings/conversations, keeping timelines and corresponding tickler system for notification of upcoming deadlines and/or events, and other relevant activities.

Conducts basic legal research from agency websites and other sources such as Cornell’s website.

Participates in all areas of employment litigation as directed.

Drafts initial legal letters or documents for review by Territorial Headquarters.

Participates in all areas of mediation activities as necessary or directed.

Paralegal Responsibilities specific to Commercial Contracts:

Reviews commercial contracts and be able to identify major areas, clauses, and business terms for both Divisional Leadership and Territorial Headquarters staff.  This will include documenting areas of concern and suggest resolutions.  Documents major contract deadlines and provides the information to the relevant Officer and/or employee.

Communicates effectively and in a timely manner with business leaders on critical contract- and legal-related matters, including proactively educating clients on contract review and submission processes.  Interprets existing contracts and advise on contract interpretation issues.

Processes legal documentation related to acquisitions, real estate development, finance, leases, property management, and commercial/construction litigation.  Assists with handling requests from outside counsel

Gathers and organizes information and documents in response to litigation discovery requests and subpoenas

Organizes, indexes, and manages files, contracts, and exhibits

Internal Liaison Responsibilities:

Works directly with the Divisional Administration, local corps officers, program directors, and Territorial Headquarters to properly administer legal documents on behalf of the NSC Division. 

Coordinates the preparation of legal documents on behalf of the Divisional Finance Board and ensures    the proper administration of legal documents as directed

Prepares and transmits copies of all records, correspondence, and messages as required to the Territorial Headquarters Legal Department; monitors and tracks all submissions and responses with Territorial Headquarters.

Develops and presents training for field Officers and staff as relates to the proper processing and reporting of legal documents; travels throughout the Division providing training and assistance as necessary; coordinates with Field staff to attend visits to their Boards, etc.

External Liaison Responsibilities:

Arranges for legal counsel to assist The Salvation Army NSC Division, as needed -, e.g., mediations, trials, counsel, various legal matters, etc.; maintains follow up with legal counsel regarding status of items. 

Coordinates with legal consultants organized in monitoring and managing the estate process of certain estates and trusts of which The Salvation Army is beneficiary.

Communicates in a knowledgeable way with attorneys, personal representatives of estates, successor trustees of trust estates, and family members of decedents in all matters pertaining to estates naming The Salvation Army as beneficiary.

Maintains and strengthens the relationships The Salvation Army has with outside vendors including attorneys, contacts at the mineral resource company, etc.

Other Responsibilities:

Maintains a legal document management database and supervises the maintenance of an organized system for collecting, maintaining, and transmitting all legal records and correspondence. 

Communicates and cooperates with the various Adult Rehabilitation Centers serving throughout the NSC Division to obtain their assistance with estate cleanouts of apartments or homes when needed. 

Reviews Safe from Harm incidents for informational purposes and coordinates with Divisional staff to submit items to Territorial Headquarters  for review.

Plans, prepares, and administers budget; reviews, monitors and approves expenditures for the Department to ensure compliance with budget constraints; evaluates budget and expenditures to determine the most cost-effective and efficient way to increase services.

Creates and maintains a departmental policies and procedures manual. 

Works closely with the Divisional Headquarters Development Team and may be called upon as needed to assist the Planned Giving and Resource Development Departments to fulfill their purpose in cultivating donor clients to the benefit of The Salvation Army.

Education and Experience:

Associate Degree from an accredited college or university in paralegal studies or equivalent formal paralegal education with a Paralegal Certification is required with a Bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies preferred  

and

Three years’ progressively responsible paralegal work experience with specialized experience in estate/probate, employment law and contract administration are required with supervisory experience preferred,

or

Any equivalent combination of training and experience, which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of accepted practices and procedures of paralegal work including, probate & trust administration, employment matters, and commercial contracts

Knowledge of the court system operations including ability to read and interpret court documents.

Knowledge of effective and efficient methods for organizing and maintaining records and ability to perform the same.

Skill in understanding and interpreting the language of law associated with, and used in, estate & probate matters, employment matters, and commercial contracts.

Skill in communicating in a knowledgeable and personable manner with attorneys, personal representatives of estates, successor trustees of trust estates, and family members of decedents. 

Ability to present a positive and professional image of The Salvation Army.

Ability to exhibit a caring and sensitive attitude toward all persons involved with the probate or estate administration process, especially family members of the decedents.

Ability to cultivate and maintain effective relationships with a diverse group of people and remain sensitive to their concerns.

Ability to manage and administer all estate related functions and tasks with a focus on establishing and maintaining a high standard of integrity and accuracy.

Ability to prepare and maintain reports in an accurate, complete, and timely manner.

Ability to work independently and with limited supervision.

Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with Salvation Army officers, employees, member of advisory organizations, and the community.

Ability to read and interpret policies/procedures, legal documents and requirements to ensure compliance.

Ability to administer budgets and monitor expenditures for compliance with the same.

Ability to initiate and maintain legal files and records in an organized and efficient manner including related financial and accounting transactions and records.

Ability to establish goals and objectives and monitor their effective implementation and completion in order to effectively work within time deadlines.

Ability to apply discretion and independent judgment and exercise confidentiality.

Ability to perform all duties with an understanding of the mission, ministry, philosophy, culture, and protocol of The Salvation Army and conducts all duties in accordance with the ministry of the organization and its Christian principles; conducts all communications and job duties with the highest level of professionalism.