Administrative Secretary/Legal Assistant - Family Law Unit

Greater Boston Legal Services is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity / Accessible Employer and strives to ensure that our staff members reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.

GBLS seeks a qualified candidate to immediately fill an AS/LA position whose primary responsibility will be to support the work of the Family Law Unit (FLU). The FLU represents clients in a range of contested family law matters. The majority of our clients are survivors of domestic violence.

The AS/LA will be responsible for performing a wide variety of administrative/legal assistant work in support of staff members and the smooth functioning of the FLU. This work includes:
• assisting unit members with tasks relating to office administration, such as handling incoming and outgoing mail, copying, and check requests; maintaining petty cash account and reporting on client trust accounts; internal case closing, tracking, and filing; and preparing agendas and sending reminders for weekly unit meetings
• assisting unit members with tasks relating to litigation support, such as tracking court dates, scheduling interpreters, filing pleadings with courts, compiling client documents, document redaction, and preparation of trial binders;
• communicating in-person and by email and telephone with potential and ongoing clients;
• using GBLS’ case management database to enter case data, check for case conflicts, and assist in preparing grant reports;
• where appropriate, providing limited interpreting and translating;
• preparing and/or organizing case related documents; and
• participating in orientations and trainings for student interns, new staff, and volunteers.

A strong candidate will excel in the following areas:
• interpersonal skills, including when asking/hearing details about domestic violence
• written and verbal communications
• attention to detail
• planning
• compassion

A strong candidate will be able to:
• organize and prioritize tasks;
• work well both independently and as part of a team;
• respond to urgent case or client matters;
• maintain confidentiality;
• use software such as Microsoft Office 365, Word, Excel, and Outlook; and
• speak at least one language in addition to English, with a preference for fluency in Spanish, Portuguese, or Haitian Creole.

Salary is based on a union scale with annual raises and in which, for example, someone with 4 to 6 years of experience would earn between $45,500 and $47,500, with an additional $950 annual payment for second language ability. GBLS offers a generous benefits package including low-cost comprehensive health insurance, retirement contribution, paid time off, and ongoing professional development opportunities. GBLS currently has a hybrid work model.

GBLS values diversity and encourages applicants from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences.