Job Summary
Paralegals assist with case management and document preparation, client support, and administrative duties, under attorney supervision. Paralegals facilitate communication between the client and the attorney, obtain key information, and update electronic case files, ensure case compliance and close case files upon case completion or final order. To efficiently support attorney workloads, while providing exceptional client support, paralegals must have strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
Job Responsibilities and Duties
Client Support
• Advise clients on legal needs, explain processes, possible outcomes and guide through processes, applications and appeals.
• Assist clients by answering questions, concerns and providing relevant case updates on case process and activity.
• Coordinate with outside agencies on behalf of clients.
Attorney Support
• Provide administrative support to attorneys throughout the duration of a case.
• Research records, databases, rules, regulations and state and federal statutes and laws; provide analysis and summaries to support attorney case progression.
• Maintain constant communication with clients, attorneys, court clerks, mediators and other legal representatives via email, phone, fax, and mail.
Case Management and Evaluation
• Review cases on an on-going basis and manage case load to ensure timely case resolution.
• Record case tasks and activities in Legal Server; continually update status, tasks, litigation information and compliance information for assigned cases.
• Ensure case compliance with court, grantee and Legal Service Corporation regulations.
Documentation Management
• Prepare, edit, review and file legal documents.
• Acquire necessary paperwork, compile records and case documentation and ensure proper filing.
• Track and monitor incoming and outgoing forms, file and reply appropriately
Administrative Duties
• Attend trainings and Task Force meetings; set calendar and tickle updates and notifications for appointments, meetings and hearings.
About the Organization
Our Mission: To protect the rights of the disadvantaged and persons of limited means by legal representation, advocacy and education throughout Utah.
Equal Justice Under Law is one of our nation’s most basic principles. Economic realities leave these promises too often unfulfilled. Since our inception as a nonprofit law office in 1976, Utah Legal Services (ULS) has been committed to making equal justice a reality by providing civil legal aid services to low-income Utahans. We level the playing field, ensuring everyone has a voice in the legal system. Every year, ULS provides legal assistance and representation to move than 1,000 low-income households to address fundamental human needs including housing, family safety, and income security. More than 65 attorneys and legal professionals deliver individual and systematic client services from four regional offices in Salt Lake City, Ogden, Provo and St. George.
Utah Legal Services Legal Divisions
Family Law: ULS helps victims of domestic violence obtain protective and restraining orders, helps parents obtain and keep custody of their children, and assist family members in obtaining guardianships for children without parents.
Housing: ULS helps clients to resolve landlord-tenant disputes, helps homeowners prevent foreclosures, help renters with eviction notices, and helps individuals maintain federal housing subsidies.
Public Benefits: ULS helps clients obtain promised compensation from private employers, and helps people obtain and retain government benefits such as disability, veteran’s compensation, and unemployment compensation benefits to which they are entitled.
Consumer Issues: ULS provides legal services to protect elderly and vulnerable groups from being victimized by unscrupulous lenders and helping people manage their debts.
Utah Legal Services also provides legal support for qualified individuals through our Migrant Farm Workers Program, Native American Program and Senior/Elder Law case services.
Skills and Abilities
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and critical thinking abilities and commitment to assisting individuals from disadvantaged communities.
• Well-developed organizational skills, attention to detail; time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines and demonstrate a high level of adaptability, while working in an environment with minimal supervision.
• Prior experience working in a law office preferred.
• Must be 18 years or older.
• Spanish speaking preferred.
Education
• High school diploma or equivalent required; associates degree or some college preferred.
• Associate of Paralegal Studies or paralegal certificate from an ABA-approved program preferred.
Job Factors/Physical Requirements
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds at a time.
Interested candidates should submit a resume and a list of three professional references, including their contact information.
Applications should be submitted by email to: [email protected].
Applications received until the position is filled. To receive full consideration, please submit your application by March 15, 2021.
The successful candidate is expected to start approximately April 1, 2021. Due to the pandemic, it is anticipated that work will primarily be completed remotely through Fall, 2021. Salary is commensurate with experience and the organization provides excellent benefits, including health, vision, and dental insurance, paid sick and annual leave, and 401(K).
Questions regarding the application process should be directed to:
Lindsey Thurgood
[email protected]
(801) 328-8891 ext. 3328
NLADA Mutual Insurance Co., RRG
