Job Description
Job DescriptionSalary: $40 - $45
Staff AttorneyJob Description
Our mission atUtah Legal Services (ULS)is to provide high-quality civil legal aid without cost to people who are unable to afford legal representation or are facing disadvantages, ensuring meaningful access to justice, and promoting education, stability, safety, and protection.Equal Justice Under Lawis one of our nations most basic principles. However, economic realities often leave these promises unfulfilled. This is whereULScomes in. Since ourinceptionas a nonprofit in 1976,weremaincommitted to making equal justice a reality by providing free services, in civil legal matters. More than70attorneys and legal professionals,working remote and in person, deliver client services from four regional offices in Salt Lake City, Ogden,Provoand St. George. Join our team and help us level the playing field for low- incomeUtahns, ensuring everyone has a voice in the legal system.
Job Summary
As aStaffAttorneyat ULS, you willbe alitigation attorney and/or administrative representativewhoprovidesethical and competentcivillegal representation and client support servicesto Utahnswith low-income or special vulnerabilities. You will do this with intentional excellenceto providemeaningful access to equal justice. Your primaryduties andresponsibilities includeconducting casemanagement, clientsupport,legal research,litigationor administrative work, and overseeing thelegalwork of an assigned paralegal(s).You will be placed on a team and report directly to your Managing Attorney. As alawyeryou must exercise independent judgment as a professional.You will also receive moderatedirectiononcaseworkfrom the Subject Matter Chair(s).
Job Duties andResponsibilities
Case Management
- Use the ULS case management system,LegalServer, to bill time, manage clients and track case-related tasks and deadlines fortimelycommunications, services, and representation.
- Follow case handling protocolsand best practicesprovidedand followedby theSubject Area Chairoverseeing your cases.
- Determinethe correct Level of Service (LOS)for each of your assignedcases andupdateas necessary.
- Managean average caseloadof60-150cases basedon the level of service and area of law, as assigned.
- Regularly and strategically review case status and tasks, updating as needed.
- Review cases for Case ServiceReport (CSR) complianceand then properly closecases.
- Actively work with paralegal totimelymove the case toward finality.
Client Support
- Communicate with clients to gather facts, prepare case summaries, and evaluate the merits ofassigned cases.
- Educate clients about the laws, rules, and legal processes related to theirmatter. This includesexplainingpotential outcomes, setting reasonable expectations,establishinggoals and nextsteps, andstrategizing aboutthe case.
- Advocateby giving clientsadvice, brief services, and representationto ensure they understand their rights and responsibilities, while keeping them informed and updated on developments in their case.
- Prepare clients fordepositions, interviews, examinations, hearings, and other case-relatedmeetings.
Legal Research
- Research using relevant legal sites and platforms such as Xchange, Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER), Electronic Records Request (ERE),the Utah State Court and District Court websites,governmental agencies,and othersto request documents, research, and aid in case progression.
- Review relevantstatutes, rules, regulations,caselaw, and secondary sourcestoassistin developing case strategies.
Litigation and Administrative Work
- Preparepro seanswers and motions for clients who are not eligible for extended representationthrough ULS.
- Review paralegal work for accuracy and compliance with all rules, laws, andprofessionalresponsibilities. This includescompliance with grantees and regulatory governing entities.
- Independently prepareandsubmitcourt or administrative agency documentsto the court, agency, andappropriate parties.
- Explorepossible settlementsthrough negotiations as approved by the client to mitigateharm and improve your clients situation.
- Independently attendmoderate to complexmeetings, mediations, hearings,trialsand any other necessaryclient-related proceedingsto advocate for your client.
Additional Duties
- AttendULS staffmeetings, training sessions, and case reviews.
- Completeappropriate continuingeducation and certification requirements such as continuing legal education (CLEs).
- Serve on an internal ULS working group, as invited by management.
- Assistin the development of ULS trainingmaterialsandduringgroup training sessions.
- Participate in community engagement efforts including at clinics, community education classes, and outreachto further ULSs mission andmaintainrelationships with community partners and stakeholders.
- Maintain good standing with regulatory entities including the Utah State Bar.
- Other duties as assigned.
Skills and Abilities
- A strong commitment toassistingpeople with low incomes and special vulnerabilitiesand promoting meaningful access to civil legal justice
- Excellent interpersonal abilities.
- High verbal and written communication skills
- High levelof adaptability and ability to managestress.
- Self-motivated, dependable, detailed, and accountable.
- Commitment and adherence to strictconfidentiality rules.
- Work experience in oneof the following legal areas is preferred: domestic law, housing, consumerprotection, debt defense, public benefits, Native American law,ormigrant worker law.
- Ability to communicate effectively with a broad range of diverse people, ability, culture, and ethnic background tomaintaingood relationships.
Qualifications.
- Minimum 1-3 years of experience
- Must be able to pass a Utah Criminal Record background check.
- Juris Doctor Degree from a U.S. accredited law school.
- Admission and good standing with the Utah State Bar
Job Factors/Physical Requirement
- Must be able to travel to meetings and court proceedings as needed.
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- In person at a ULS office one day per week.
Hourly Rate
- Staff Attorney hourly range$40-$45
FLSA Status
- Non-exempt, full time
Reports to
- Managing Attorney
Benefits
At Utah Legal Services, we prioritize the well-being and success of our employees, recognizing that a harmonious work-life balance is paramount. We empower our team members to tailor their schedules with flexible hours, allowing them to effectively manage their professional commitments while nurturing personal and familial needs. In our commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, we embrace a hybrid or remote work across all positions.
Moreover, we understand that comprehensive benefits are essential in fostering a thriving workplace culture. That's why we offer an extensive benefits package, including:
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Employer-paid vision insurance
- Generous paid-time off (21 days per year) and increases on your first anniversary
- 13 paid holidays
- 403(b) retirement plan with a monthly employer match, plus automatic monthly contributions
- Employer-paid short and long-term disability coverage
- 4 weeks paid parental leave
- Employer monthly stipend to assist staff with benefit cost.
By prioritizing employee well-being, offering competitive benefits, and embracing a flexible work environment, we strive to create a workplace where every team member can thrive both personally and professionally.
To learn more about Utah Legal Services visit www.utahlegalservices.org
Utah Legal Services believes that equal opportunityofall employees is important for the continuing success of our organization. In accordance with state and federal law, this nonprofit will not discriminate against an employee or applicant for employment because of race, disability, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or veteran status in hiring, promoting, demoting, trainings, benefits, transfers, layoffs, terminations, recommendations, rates of pay, or other forms of compensation.