Paralegal Supervisor

Be a part of an organization making a difference in the Central Florida community! As an Orlando Business Journal’s 2021 Best Places to Work Honoree, Orlando Sentinel’s 2022 Best Workplaces Honoree, and a SHRM Mental Health Ally, Community Legal Services (CLS) is a full service civil legal aid law firm that promotes equal access to justice, specifically for the most vulnerable individuals in our society.

CLS offers:

• 15 paid holidays and 24 days of paid time off


• Excellent physical/mental health, vision, and benefits (With 95% of benefits paid for by company)


• 100% Coverage with Dental Benefits, Life Insurance, Long/Short Term Disability


• 100% 403B match after 1 year of employment (5%)


• CLS pays Bar Dues and CLE Credits


• Student loan reimbursement for Attorneys


• Tuition Reimbursement


• Ability to apply for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)


• Fantastic work-life balance


• Various opportunities for upward mobility into leadership/more advanced roles


• Pet Insurance


• Wellness Committee dedicated to employee morale, with events such as company wide retreats, activities, and challenges!

CLS is currently searching for a service-minded, mission driven individual to fulfill the following position:

Paralegal Supervisor

OVERVIEW

Reports to the Managing Attorney of the Family Unit or designee.  This Family Unit - Paralegal Supervisor position provides leadership and direction to the Family Unit paralegals and legal assistants at the direction of and in coordination with substantive unit manager and supervisors.  This position involves overseeing and guiding paralegals and legal assistants, serving as the leader who coaches, mentors, and supports the team members. The primary responsibility is to ensure the provision of comprehensive legal services to eligible clients in civil cases, aligning with CLS’s mission and priorities.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Supervise and lead a team of paralegals and legal assistants in the family unit (collectively called the “Team”).


2. Implement systems and processes for efficiency and effective support of the delivery of legal services.


3. Audit open and closed files for grant compliance.


4. Work with Managing and Supervising Attorneys and others in CLS Leadership to develop standard organization procedures including file maintenance and supervise the Team to maintain established standards.


5. Work with the Managing Attorney to develop outreach strategies that promote and monitor relationships with community partners.


6. Provide and coordinate training for the Team in collaboration with the Director of Litigation to effectively utilize databases, legal libraries for research, drafting documents, and organizational protocols to maintain consistent high-quality workflow.


7. Develop the team through guidance, coaching, mentoring, and constructive feedback.


8. Develop the Team efficiency protocols and tools.


9. Assist clients within the entire CLS service area, which may require frequent travel throughout the service areas.


10. Conduct client intakes and determine client eligibility for legal services in accordance with program policies and procedures.


11. Provide paralegal support to assigned attorney.


12. Gather information, interview clients and witnesses; investigate and develop cases; prepare written reports to attorneys detailing the results of the interview/investigation.


13. Make and follow up on referrals of clients to appropriate alternative or additional sources of assistance.


14. Work in partnership with the attorney on assigned cases.


15. Maintain accurate, complete, well-organized electronic case/project records, files, and calendars.


16. Perform legal research and drafting through legal databases.


17. May participate in the orientation and training of employees, volunteers, and law school interns.


18. Participate in task force and other local groups and organizations at the direction of the Managing Attorney


19. Answer telephones and refer callers to appropriate staff members, other CLS offices or other agencies as appropriate


20. Responsible for the performance of duties of supporting staff members in the unit during times the unit is understaffed or staff members are absent.


21. Other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

1.  Commitment         

1. Demonstrating commitment to promoting the mission, vision, and values of CLS.


2. Unwavering dedication to high-quality legal programs, fiscal strength, and organizational integrity.


3. Commitment to continued learning and training.

2.  Background and Experience

1. Florida Bar Registered Paralegal.


2. Experience with working in family law preferred.


3. Law firm experience in the role as a paralegal (5+ years), experience in support of litigation and commitment working with low-income and/or vulnerable clients and communities on civil legal matters also a plus.


4. Florida Notary a plus.


5. Bilingual (English Spanish; spoken and written fluency) preferred.


6. Excellent phone and in-person professional customer service ability required, with superior organizational and highly polished communication and writing skills.


7. Must be a self-motivated, professional, and capable of independently managing workload and prioritizing tasks in a fast-paced legal environment with minimal supervision. 


8. Microsoft Office Suite proficiency required.


9. Valid Florida driver license, use of own auto, and proof of insurance necessary to perform duties and attend meetings and/or other functions throughout 12 county service area.


10. Ability to work independently and to travel; possibility of working weekends and evenings.

3.  Physical Requirements

a. Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

b. Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times.

STARTING SALARY: $60,000, more with experience

GENERAL STATEMENT

CLS is an Equal Opportunity Employer: We value a diverse workforce and the promotion of inclusive culture at all levels.

CLS does not discriminate against any employee or qualified applicant for employment from all qualified individuals on the basis of age, race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, marital or familial status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, sex, disability, socio-economic position, religion, political belief, protected genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal or State law.

The statements contained in this job description reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility. An all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload.