Paralegal - Rural Justice Grant

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Regular Full Time Clerical Denton, TX, US

3 days ago Requisition

Salary Range: $19.30 To $29.29 Annually

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

POSITION:
Paralegal (Full-Time) Hybrid

CLOSING DATE:
Position Immediately Available and Closed When Filled

ABOUT:
Legal Aid of North West Texas (LANWT) is a non-profit public interest law firm that provides high-quality, free civil legal services to low‑income individuals and families in 114 counties across North and West Texas. Our mission is to ensure equal access to justice and improve the lives of low-income communities by providing high-quality legal representation, strategic litigation, valuable legal advice and meaningful collaborations, outreach, and community education.

JOB OVERVIEW: LANWT seeks dynamic, self-motivated paralegal with vision, initiative, and a strong commitment to public interest law to join our team. Depending on office needs, some paralegal positions function primarily as case handlers, carrying and managing their own caseload under attorney supervision, while others provide broader case support.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Under the direct supervision and authority of a licensed attorney, the paralegal provides legal support and advocacy services in accordance with LANWT policies, the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct, the Texas Lawyer's Creed, and applicable ABA standards. A paralegal does not practice law independently. Depending on office needs and experience, some paralegals serve primarily in a case support role, while others serve as case handlers, managing their own caseload from intake through resolution within the scope permitted by law and under ongoing attorney supervision.

Core responsibilities include:

• Provide paraprofessional legal assistance to eligible clients in civil legal matters, consistent with program priorities and attorney supervision.
• Serve, where assigned, as the primary case handler for designated matters, managing a caseload from intake through resolution under the supervision and authority of a licensed attorney.
• Conduct client intake, screening, referrals, and create and maintain accurate electronic case files.
• Assist with case development through client interviews, fact gathering, research, and investigation, using trauma-informed and culturally competent practices and recognizing indicators of trauma or crisis.
• Draft pleadings, orders, correspondence, and other legal documents; file documents in person or via e-filing; coordinate hearings; and communicate with courts, opposing parties, and clients.
• Support attorneys and advocates in client representation and community-based work, including participation in outreach and legal education efforts as assigned.
• Maintain organized, up-to-date case records and track case status, statistics, and required reporting.
• Develop and maintain knowledge in assigned legal practice areas and stay current on laws, procedures, and issues affecting LANWT's client population.
• Build relationships with social service agencies and make appropriate client referrals.
• Provide translation or interpretation for clients when applicable.
• Participate in training, staff meetings, and supervision; seek guidance as needed.
• Travel to courts, agencies, and community locations in support of casework.
• Maintain a working knowledge of, and ensure compliance with, Legal Services Corporation (LSC) regulations, LANWT policies and procedures, and grant and funding requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the managing attorney, deputy director, or CEO.

Paralegals may work in one or more civil practice areas,…