Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, Inc., a non-profit law firm that provides free legal assistance to people living with low income/low opportunity, seeks a full-time Paralegal to work in its Housing Law Program. This program assists families and individuals facing eviction, loss of housing assistance, poor living conditions, discrimination and other housing issues.
Responsibilities
• Serving as a source of client information, support, and advocacy.
• Performing word processing, including client correspondence, pleadings, and other documents.
• Monitoring cases and conducting fact investigation and document gathering.
• Providing clients with community resource referrals as needed.
• Participating in community outreach and events and creating outreach materials.
• Entering and verifying data in case management system.
• Opening, maintaining, and closing client files.
• Providing litigation support e.g., court filings, preparing exhibits and trial materials, attending court proceedings.
• Assisting interns, externs, and volunteers when needed.
• Maintaining office manuals, equipment, records, files, and databases.
• Communicating effectively with clients, attorneys, staff, and outside parties.
• High school education required; At least 2 years college education and some legal experience highly preferred
• Skilled at working collaboratively with others
• Must be energetic, committed to Legal Services of Eastern Missouri’s mission, and sensitive to the needs of the low-income, low-opportunity community
• Must take initiative, have sound judgment, and effectively organize time and tasks
• Must have strong communication skills, work ethic, flexibility and teamwork
• Must have a strong understanding of Microsoft Office Suite and able to quickly learn new IT systems, including case management software
• Must be willing to become a Missouri Notary
• Open to creative and innovative ways of fulfilling the legal aid mission
What we do
LSEM advances justice through legal representation, education, and supportive services. We partner with the community to improve lives, promote fairness and create opportunities for those in need. Since 1956, LSEM has provided high-quality civil legal assistance and equal access to justice for low-income people in 21 counties in Missouri. We accomplish our mission through systemic advocacy/impact litigation and individual case work in a wide range of substantive civil areas which are in our priorities, e.g., family law for victims of domestic violence, prevention of homelessness/housing, health, public benefits, consumer, education, disability, community economic development, and immigration. As part of our community education/outreach efforts, LSEM works with over 150 agencies and participates in over 35 task forces/coalitions. LSEM also has a vibrant Volunteer Lawyers Program.
Who we are
At Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, we embrace a culture that celebrates and promotes the many backgrounds, heritages, and perspectives of our colleagues and clients. We seek to hire individuals from a variety of backgrounds, who are professional, collaborative, and creative thinkers with a passion for our mission, and create an environment where everyone can thrive. We strongly encourage applications from all qualified individuals and will make employment decisions based on merit.
How to Apply
Upload your resume and cover letter through our online application. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.
Salary & Benefits Information
The salary range for this position is $43,400-$65,200. Specific salary within the range will be determined by years of relevant experience. There are opportunities for advancement, including raises. Excellent benefits include medical, dental and vision insurance, a generous time off policy (starting at 4 weeks per year), 11 paid holidays, 12 weeks paid parental leave, 403(b) and 401(a) retirement plans, long-term disability and life insurance, and an employee assistance plan. An in-person/remote hybrid work option is also available.
Submission Deadline
Applications will be considered until position is filled.
Equal access to Legal Services of Eastern Missouri’s office is available. Those applicants requiring accommodation to the interview/application process should contact Human Resources at the e-mail hr@lsem.org. Legal Services of Eastern Missouri is an equal opportunity employer.