austin
Posted 04/18/2024
$40840 - $54230 / year
The successful candidates must be able to work in a fast-paced environment.
The paralegal will represent low-income clients in housing matters and assist housing attorneys in all aspects of their cases.
A strong belief in the concept of equal justice for poor people is paramount to this position.
Working under the supervision of attorneys, the paralegal duties include the following:
Provide direct representation of clients in administrative proceedings, including representation in hearings with public housing authorities and informal meetings with landlords.
Maintain a client caseload of clients with housing issues, exercising the independent professional judgment required of an advocate on all aspects of each individual case.
Assist in investigating cases by interviewing clients and witnesses and gathering documents.
Assist in negotiation with opposing parties, which will include frequent contact with landlords, public housing managers, apartment managers, public housing caseworkers, opposing counsel, etc.
Assist in litigation support, including drafting pleadings, affidavits, and discovery requests and responses, and providing any additional support requested by housing lawyers.
Conduct eligibility and substantive interviews in person and by telephone.
Interviews may at times take place outside the regular office setting.
Provide basic information and referrals to applicants, including persons ineligible for services.
Maintain accurate and complete client files and administrative records, including data entry into client case management system contemporaneous timekeeping.
Outreach to community, including legal education presentations.
Qualifications:
Preferably bilingual in English and Spanish;
Degree in relevant field preferred;
Excellent oral and writing skills;
Word processing, Internet, and office skills required;
Proficiency in Office365/Microsoft Office (highly preferred)
Have valid driver’s license and available transportation;
Strong preference for verbal, reading and writing skills in Spanish sufficient to communicate fluently with clients and to translate lengthy written documents, primarily from Spanish to English.
Experience working in a legal office or with indigent client populations preferred.
TRLA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
At TRLA, we are committed to offering fair and equal employment opportunities to all job applicants and employees.
We strictly prohibit any form of discrimination and harassment of any type based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.