Legal Secretary

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

POSITION: Legal Secretary - (Full-Time Position)

CLOSING DATE: Position Immediately Available and Closed When Filled

LOCATION: Hybrid/Remote - Abilene, Texas

OVERVIEW: Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas (LANWT) seeks a dynamic, self-starting individual who has vision, initiative, and a demonstrated commitment to public interest law to fill a legal secretary position in its Abilene office.

DESCRIPTION: LANWT is a non-profit public interest law firm that provides high-quality free civil legal services to low-income persons in 114 counties in North and West Texas.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: A legal secretary provides support for multiple full-time staff attorneys including general secretarial support, correspondence, legal pleadings, filing and providing translation and interpretation in the delivery of services to our clients. Other responsibilities include:

• Ensure compliance with Legal Services Corporation Act and regulations, as well as with LANWT's policies and procedures.
• General secretarial support, especially preparing legal documents and correspondence through typing and transcribing. Accurate proofreading of correspondence, pleadings, and reports in draft and final form.
• Proficient and accurate use of word processing software, databases and LANWT's electronic case management system.
• Administrative duties such as reconciliation of branch office accounts, ordering and purchasing supplies, maintaining petty cash, arranging branch office travel, maintaining and coordinating repair of branch office equipment, and general administrative office duties to assist the managing attorney in the performance of their administrative responsibilities.
• Filing, copying, mail distribution, answering telephones, maintaining legal files and client records, including tickler systems, calendaring and time-keeping system.
• File legal papers/pleadings at the courthouse or through e-filing, including setting hearing dates, and interacting with court staff, opposing parties and clients.
• Client interviews by phone and in person.
• Provide back-up for other support personnel as needed, including office mail, telephone duties and other legal assistance as requested.
• Translating for clients who speak a different language than their advocate (if applicable).
• Monitoring and accurately maintaining case status through electronic case management system.
• Maintain phone log, visitor log, and intake schedule as required.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism toward clients, visitors, and other employees at all times.
• Performance of any other duties which may from time-to-time be assigned by the Managing Attorney, Deputy Director and Chief Executive Officer.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma, GED or equivalent.
• Fluent in Spanish - both verbal and written is preferred.
• Prior law office experience in the capacity of secretarial support is preferred.
• Ability to communicate and interact in a professional and courteous manner with a diverse population, including office personnel, applicants/clients, vendors, and other professional contacts.
• Candidate must be detail oriented, efficient, organized and self-motivated.
• Ability to establish priorities and meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Excellent computer skills with use of Microsoft products preferred.
• Ability to work independently and exercise good judgment and discretion in the performance of all duties.
• Ability to engage in occasional work-related travel.
• Excellent attendance record.

SALARY: Current entry-level salary is $33,000 per year. The salary for the successful applicant may be significantly higher, based on applicant's years of experience.

BENEFITS: Excellent benefits package that includes paid sick leave, vacation and holidays; a retirement plan; health, dental, vision and life insurance.

Please submit a cover letter expressing interest, a resume, and a list of professional references during the application process.

LEGAL AID OF NORTHWEST TEXAS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

VETERANS ENCOURAGED TO APPLY