Part-Time Trainee Legal Advocate

Position Description

Part‑time Trainee Legal Advocate

Location:

Wausau, WI

Hourly: $19.05/hour (less than 20 hours per week)

SUMMARY:

Under the supervision of an attorney, Legal Action of Wisconsin is hiring two part‑time Trainee Legal Advocate positions to perform work that supports Legal Action's mission, often in connection with time‑limited, grant‑funded, fellowship, or service programs. This position is designed as a learning role, with the goal of developing practical skills to support and enhance the delivery of legal services. These positions are not expected to continue beyond the program term, and their continuation is contingent on the availability of dedicated funding.

DUTIES:
Trainee Legal Advocate duties, and the amount of time spent on them, may vary depending on the external program participation set by funder, project or program, area of law, group of clients served, and/or offices. Supervisors will assign duties and periodically evaluate and the assignment of duties as the firm’s needs change. Trainee Legal Advocates duties and assignments will progress through the skill development process.

Other duties may be occasionally assigned.

OFFICE

LOCATION:

This position will be based in Legal Action's Wausau office and preference will be given to people located near the Wausau or Eau Claire areas. Hybrid/remote schedule is available upon request and in accordance with Legal Action policies and procedures.

• Collect and report qualitative and quantitative data as directed.
• Perform case management activities, including collecting client data and completing other administrative tasks.
• Participate in case and data development, including legal research and writing.
• Prepare court pleadings, documents, and forms.

• Assist with outreach and other activities targeted toward improving access to justice.
• Participate in training and professional development opportunities
• Create educational and marketing materials.
• Attend and present at virtual and in‑person outreach events.
• Help expand program intake and outreach.
• Provide legal information and referral services.

• Participate and complete all program requirements as defined and set by funding source.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Personal experience related to the project’s priorities and stakeholders and a commitment to using that experience to support others.
• High school diploma or GED certificate.
• Basic computer proficiency.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish or English and Hmong is a plus.
• Basic understanding of the core functions and processes of the legal system.
• Ability to professionally and appropriately handle confidential information.
• Ability to comply with legal ethics rules and act ethically.
• Ability to protect client confidences.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Effective interpersonal skills, exemplified by courtesy, diplomacy, positivity, and professionalism.
• Ability to network with professionals.
• Strong ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with diverse groups of people.
• Time management and organizational skills.
• Problem-solving and analytical skills.

TRAVEL:
Travel occasionally throughout Wisconsin and occasional overnight travel may be required.

SUPERVISOR:
Megan Sprecher

This is a Trainee Legal Advocate (TLA) position. The work of positions in the TLA classification is typically under immediate supervision and is closely controlled and is highly structured because of the nature of the work itself or because of circumstances under which the job tasks are performed. Clear, specific and detailed instructions, guidelines, procedures and/or rules exist in oral and written formats and thoroughly…