Paralegal

About FRLS

Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. (FRLS) is a non‑profit law firm that provides free civil legal aid to eligible individuals, families, and vulnerable communities across 13 Florida counties and to farm workers statewide. Since 1966, FRLS has been dedicated to justice, offering legal services in housing law, family law, consumer protection, public benefits, elder law, disaster relief, education law, and more—at no cost to our clients.

FRLS partners with community organizations and pro bono attorneys to provide quality advocacy, outreach, and education aimed at protecting the rights of those in need. Over 50 years of steadfast advocacy for justice.

FRLS is seeking to hire a paralegal to join our team of legal researchers. The paralegal will support the organization by preparing documents such as affidavits and legal correspondence, organizing and maintaining files, filing pleadings with court clerks, and assisting with trial preparation by organizing exhibits and performing other necessary tasks. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word and Excel), multitasking skills, and the ability to thrive in a busy, team‑oriented environment are essential.

• Preparing affidavits, legal correspondence, and other documents for attorneys.
• Organizing and maintaining documents in a paper or electronic filing system.
• Meeting with clients, attorneys, and other professionals to discuss case details.
• Filing pleadings with the court clerk.
• Helping prepare for trial by organizing exhibits and assisting with other tasks as needed.
• Investigating facts and laws of cases and searching public records and other resources to prepare cases.
• Directing and coordinating law office activity, including delivery of subpoenas.
• Keeping the law library up to date by monitoring legal volumes.
• Other duties assigned.

• High school diploma or GED.
• Paralegal degree or certification preferred.
• Knowledge of the legal system, commitment to the mission of FRLS, and compassion for the clients.
• Fluency in English;
  Spanish or Haitian Creole preferred.
• Ability to forge positive relationships with clients, community members, and colleagues.
• Good organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively yet independently.
  
  Creativity and ability to maximize the use of existing resources.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and case‑management system.
• Effective communication with peers, supervisors, clients and the public.
• Capacity to work under high‑pressure situations involving deadlines.

This position operates in a professional work environment.

• Primarily sedentary; occasional lifting of office supplies up to 20 pounds may be required.
• Ability to travel throughout Florida as needed.

No supervisory duties.

The starting salary is $38,500, based on a union scale and adjusted upward with experience. FRLS offers a generous benefits package that includes a 403(b) plan with employer contribution, health insurance (medical, dental, vision) for employees and dependents, paid leave (up to 5 weeks of PTO, 2 personal days, and 13 holidays), and the possibility of working from home up to two days per week after the probationary period.