Contract Paralegal- Disaster Recovery

 

Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. provides free legal assistance to low-income clients in 14 counties and to migrant farm workers throughout the State of Florida. The purpose of this position is to provide civil legal assistance to indigent persons affected by the disasters specified and approved by the program policies and priorities on such matters as individual rights, housing, public benefits, elder law, family law, consumer rights, education, and employment law. 
FRLS Disaster Recovery Legal Services Unit provides no-cost legal community outreach and comprehensive legal services to help low-income individuals and household needs during their disaster recovery. Legal services to be provided include, but are not limited to foreclosures, bankruptcies, flood insurance proof of loss preparation and FEMA Flood Directorate Appeals, FEMA recoupment defense, applications for disaster tax relief, civil and disability rights cases, legal counsel for community-based organizations on rebuilding plans, litigation to redress systemic disaster response problems. landlord/tenant Issues concerning repair issues, non-repair, mold concealment, etc., disputes regarding home elevation certificates and flood plain zoning, disputes regarding significant damage determination against homeowners. 
FRLS will take a holistic approach and offer all legal aid services that are available to individual and household needs.The Paralegal will assist in the provision of legal services to disaster recovery clients and the attorneys who are involved in the disaster recovery cases. 
The Paralegal is under the supervision of the Managing Attorney and the Disaster Project Manager. 
Essential Functions:1. Interviews, confirms, eligibility, crime, case facts and legal problem of victim, updates client database with necessary information for reporting. 2. Develops goals to address effects of crime and works with client to establish service plan and timeline to achieve goals. Reassesses and revises service plan as needed; and follows-up with client to assess for additional services. 3. Provides clients with appropriate legal advice, applying the relevant law to the facts presented, and counseling the client in their pursuit of resolution of legal problems.4. Participates in case acceptance & other office meetings to determine strategies for client services.5. Provides documentation, statistical information and other records as required by the grant.6. Participates in training to keep up CLEs relevant to the various areas of the law necessary to zealously represent victims.7. Conduct outreach8. Perform other duties as assigned.  

 

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
1. Paralegal degree or certification.
2. Knowledge of the legal system, commitment to the mission of FRLS and compassion for the clients.
3. Cultural similarity with this population and knowledge of Spanish and/or Haitian Creole is preferred.
4. Ability to forge positive relationships with prospects and colleagues.
5. Good organizational, interpersonal and communication skills.
6. Ability to work collaboratively, yet independently.
7. Creativity and ability to maximize the use of existing resources.
8. Working knowledge of Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and Case Management System.
9. Must be able to effectively communicate with peers, supervisors, clients, and the public.
10. Must be able to effectively work in high pressure situations which involve deadlines.
11. Ability to carry caseloads when necessary.

Qualifications: 

• At least three years' experience as a Paralegal is preferred but will consider exceptionally well-qualified entry-level candidates. 
• Must be highly organized, familiar with electronic document tracking, able to use computer technology effectively, including Microsoft products and remote communications systems, including shared on-line workspaces and web meeting and videoconferencing software, and to collaborate with staff located in multiple offices. 
• Candidates also must possess excellent written and oral communication skills, the ability to manage multiple tasks, and the skills to build collaborative relationships between the staff and the community served by FRLS.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities: The employee in this Paralegal position will be responsible for:1. Maintaining client information in the database(s)2. Conducting intakes3. Communicating successfully and respectfully with clients by any available verbal or written means4. Collection of client data5. Drafting correspondence and preparing other written materials6. Providing litigation support.This includes support of the attorneys with client preparation, legal file documentation, pre-trial preparation, court appearances, motion practice, depositions, mediations, negotiations, and trial practice. In general terms, the Paralegal should be knowledgeable, confident, organized, disciplined, dedicated, and focused to ensure client work is handled in a competent manner. Proficiency in Spanish/Creole is a plus. Applicants will be subject to a background check.
EEOC Statement: Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc., does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other characteristic protected by federal, state of local law.Working conditions

This position operates in a professional office environment.

Physical requirements

• Preparing affidavits, legal correspondence and other documents for attorneys.
• Organizing and maintaining documents in a paper or electronic filing system.
• Meeting with clients, attorneys, and other professionals to talk about case details.
• Filing pleadings with court clerk.
• Helping prepare for trial by organizing exhibits and assisting with other tasks as needed.
• Preparing briefs, wills, contracts, real estate closing statements, pleadings, appeals, and other legal documents.
• Investigating facts and laws of cases and searching public records and other resources to prepare cases and determine causes of action.
• Directing and coordinating law office activity, including delivery of subpoenas.
• Gathering and analyzing statutes, decisions, and legal articles, codes, documents and other data.
• Calling on witnesses to testify at hearings.
• Keeping law library up-to-date by monitoring legal volumes.

Direct reports

None

EEOC Statement:

Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc., does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other characteristic protected by federal, state of local law.