Paralegal-Housing Unit

Be a part of an organization making a difference in the Central Florida community. As an Orlando Business Journal’s 2021 Best Places to Work Honoree, Orlando Sentinel’s 2022 Best Workplaces Honoree, and a SHRM Mental Health Ally, Community Legal Services (CLS) is a full service civil legal aid law firm that promotes equal access to justice, specifically for the most vulnerable individuals in our society.

CLS offers:

• 15 paid holidays and 24 days of paid time off
• Excellent physical/mental health, vision, and benefits (With 95% of benefits paid for by company)
• 100% Coverage with Dental Benefits, Life Insurance, Long/Short Term Disability
• 100% 403B match up to 5% after 1 year of employment
• CLS pays Bar Dues and CLE Credits
• Student loan reimbursement for Attorneys
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Ability to apply for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Fantastic work-life balance
• Various opportunities for upward mobility into leadership/more advanced roles
• Pet Insurance
• Wellness Committee dedicated to employee morale, with events such as company wide retreats, activities, and challenges!

CLS is currently searching for a service-minded, mission driven individual to fill the following position:

Paralegal: Housing Unit

OVERVIEW

Reports to and receives general direction from Managing Attorney, Staff Attorney or designee, the paralegal provides paraprofessional legal services to eligible clients in civil and other cases, under the direct supervision of an attorney, in accordance with the program’ mission and principles of advocacy, other program guidelines, the ABA Standards for Providers of Civil Legal Services and the Florida Rules of Professional Conduct.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Assists clients within the entire Community Legal Services (CLS) service area which may require frequent travel throughout the CLS service areas for meetings.
2. Completes Client Intake processes and determines client eligibility for legal services in accordance with program policies and procedures.
3. Gathers information, interviews clients and witnesses; investigates and develops cases; prepares written reports to attorneys detailing the results of the interview/investigation.
4. Makes and follows up on referrals of clients to appropriate alternative or additional sources of assistance.
5. Works jointly in partnership with supervising attorney on assigned cases.
6. Represents clients at administrative hearings within the guidelines governing advocacy by non-attorneys.
7. Maintains accurate, complete, well-organized electronic case/project records, files, and calendars.
8. Performs legal research including use of computer-based databases, e.g., Thomson-Reuters/Westlaw computerized practice software.
9. Keeps abreast of new areas of the law, particularly housing.
10. Serves process and executes appropriate affidavits of service; serves witness subpoenas and other papers, as requested, files legal papers with appropriate courts.
11. Participates in outreach to clients and community groups to strengthen community partnerships.
12. As requested, participates in fundraising activities and public relations.
13. May participate in the orientation and training of employees and volunteers, including law school interns.
14. Actively participates in umbrella groups and task forces.
15. Greets clients, applicants, and other visitors to the office in a courteous and polite manner.
16. Answers telephones and refers callers to appropriate staff members, other CLS offices or other agencies, as appropriate
17. Opens and distributes mail and provides other clerical services, as necessary.
18. May perform duties of the work of higher or lower classified positions, as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

1.  Commitment         

1. Demonstrating commitment to promoting the mission, vision, and values of CLS.
2. Unwavering dedication to high-quality legal programs, fiscal strength, and organizational integrity.
3. Commitment to continued learning and training.

2.  Background and Experience

1. Legal Studies Education and/or Paralegal certification.
2. Experience with residential, subsidized, mobile home park, rv park, and extended-stay hotel evictions, prohibited practices by landlords, unlawful detainers, ejectments, reverse mortgage foreclosures, partitions, and real estate law is a plus.
3. Law firm experience (2+years), experience in support of litigation and commitment working with low-income and/or vulnerable clients and communities on civil legal matters also a plus.
4. Florida Notary a plus.
5. Bilingual (English Spanish; spoken and written fluency) preferred but not required.
6. Excellent phone and in-person professional customer service ability required, with superior organizational and highly polished communication and writing skills.
7. Must be self-motivated, professional, and capable of independently managing workload and prioritizing tasks in a fast-paced legal environment with minimal supervision. 
8. Microsoft Office Suite proficiency required.
9. Valid Florida license, use of own auto, and proof of insurance necessary to perform duties and attend meetings and/or other functions throughout 12 county service area.
10. Ability to work independently and to travel; possibility of working weekends and evenings.

3.  Physical Requirements

a. Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

b. Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times.

STARTING SALARY: $45,000+, more with experience. 

GENERAL STATEMENT

CLS is an Equal Opportunity Employer: We value a diverse workforce and the promotion of inclusive culture at all levels.

CLS does not discriminate against any employee or qualified applicant for employment from all qualified individuals on the basis of age, race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, marital or familial status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, sex, disability, socio-economic position, religion, political belief, protected genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal or State law.

The statements contained in this job description reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility. It should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload.