The purpose of the position is to provide secretarial support to the Attorneys and Paralegals as needed.

Essential Functions:

1. Provide needed litigation support.
2. Share the responsibilities of a receptionist as needed.
3. Perform overall file maintenance including opening files, closing files, general office filing, maintaining advocate and office filing and statistical systems, sorting, photocopying, scanning, properly uploading, preparing, and delivering case folders as required.
4. Draft, proof and correct letters, briefs, motions, memoranda, and other documents.
5. Scheduling appointments and, if covering for the receptionist, making all other arrangements for business meetings for assigned advocates in FRLS offices or other places.
6. Transact routine business, such as banking and post office business, as required occasionally, a secretary will deliver, or pick-up business documents or other materials as needed.
7. Gather information by telephone and otherwise assist attorneys and paralegals.
8. Attend all required CSC trainings and Ft. Myers community presentations scheduled by the Ft. Myers office of FRLS.
9. Prepare information packets for distribution during scheduled Ft. Myers community presentations.
10. A secretary may be assigned administrative tasks by the office manager:
11. Maintaining the library
12. Maintaining records or checking accounts and other financial records
13. Maintaining petty cash
14. Keeping accurate statistics.
15. Assist with banking and post office visits as needed and other administrative tasks as they arise.
16. Assist the receptionist in handing the mail as needed. Rotate posting and delivering the mail.
17. Meet and greet walk-ins when at the reception desk and complete intakes for eligible CSC applicants for legal services.
18. Perform screening interviews when at the reception desk.
19. Scheduling of client appointments as needed.
20. Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

1. High School Diploma or GED
2. Must type a minimum of 50 wpm and the ability to enter data into computer.
3. Attention to detail.
4. Ability to forge positive relationships with prospects, colleagues, and the community.
5. Some knowledge of the legal system, commitment to the mission of FRLS and compassion for the clients.
6. Good organizational, interpersonal and communication skills.
7. Must be able to effectively and efficiently maximize existing resources.
8. Ability to work collaboratively and independently.
9. Working knowledge of Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) and CMS.
10. Must be able to effectively work in high pressure situations which involve deadlines.
11. Bilingual English and Spanish or Haitian Creole preferred.

Working Conditions: 

Position operates in a professional work environment

Physical Requirements:

1. This is a largely sedentary role; however, some lifting of office supplies up to 20 pounds may be required.
2. Must be able to travel to local court or post office etc.

Direct Reports: 

None

Reports to: 

Office Manager

Salary and Benefits: 

The starting salary for this position is $34,000, which is based on a union scale and adjusted upward depending on experience. FRLS offers a very generous benefits package that includes 403(b) with employer-paid contribution; health insurance (medical, dental, and vision) for employees and their dependents; paid leave (up to 5 weeks of PTO, 2 personal days, and 13 holidays). FRLS Legal Secretaries operate in an in-office environment, requiring work in their assigned office five days a week.

EEOC Statement:

Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc., does not d discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disa