Paralegal- Disaster Legal Services Hybrid/Remote

Position Overview

Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas (LANWT) is a non‐profit public interest law firm providing free high‐quality civil legal services to low‐income communities in 114 counties across North and West Texas. Our McKinney office serves both the city and surrounding rural areas. We are seeking a dynamic, self‐starting Paralegal (Full-Time Position) for a hybrid/remote role in McKinney, Texas.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide paraprofessional legal services to eligible clients in civil, family, and other cases in line with program guidelines and under attorney supervision.
• Participate in outreach and community legal education to provide legal information and build strong relationships with clients and community groups.
• Assist attorneys or advocates in client representation and collaboration with community groups.
• Conduct intake calls, initial client screening, referral to appropriate resources, and creation of electronic client files.
• Investigate and develop cases and projects by conducting necessary interviews and research.
• Make and follow up on client referrals to appropriate sources of assistance.
• Draft pleadings, orders, letters, memos, and other documents related to cases and projects.
• File legal papers/pleadings via courthouse or e-filing, coordinate hearing dates, and interact with court staff, opposing parties, and clients.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and well-organized records for all assigned cases and projects.
• Develop specialized skills in assigned areas and stay current on new legal developments.
• Provide translation services for clients when necessary.
• Seek and accept guidance from supervising attorneys on cases and projects.
• Participate in in-house training programs, staff meetings, and related activities.
• Report caseload statistics and other relevant information to supervisors as requested.
• Travel to administrative agencies or other locations in connection with assigned responsibilities.
• Develop a working knowledge of relevant laws and legal skills including fact gathering, research, writing, and negotiation.
• Remain informed on legal changes affecting LANWT's client base and advise management accordingly.
• Establish relationships with social service and other agencies to aid client referrals.
• Represent clients at hearings in accordance with applicable guidelines.
• Provide the Administrative Office with information regarding the nature and extent of services provided.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the Supervising Attorney, Deputy Director, or Chief Executive Officer.

Required Qualifications

• Prior experience working on landlord-tenant, public benefits, FEMA, or disaster-related cases.
• Detail oriented, organized, and self-motivated with the ability to establish priorities and meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to interact professionally and courteously with individuals at all levels.
• Ability to work independently while exercising sound judgment and maintaining client confidentiality.
• Willingness to engage in occasional work-related travel.
• Excellent attendance record.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate's Degree and paralegal certification.
• Fluent in Spanish – both verbal and written.
• Excellent computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft products.

Compensation

The current entry-level salary is $40,150 per year, with the possibility of a significantly higher salary based on years of experience. The paralegal position is non-exempt and subject to state and federal wage and hour laws.

Benefits & Perks

• Excellent benefits package: Includes paid sick leave, vacation and holidays, a retirement plan, and health, dental, vision, and life insurance.

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

Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Veterans are encouraged to apply.