Job Description
Job DescriptionSalary: $24 - $27
SeniorParalegalJob Description
Our mission at Utah 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 a SeniorParalegalat ULS, you willprovide ethical,competent legal representationto clients who are low-income or have special vulnerabilitiesthroughout Utah.Youare responsible forensuringyouperformyourdutiescompetently,working appropriately with clients,maintaining proper timekeeping,andcomplying withall rules, laws, and regulations. You will alsoberequired to work and collaborate with the attorney assigned to your cases.You will do this with intentional excellenceto providemeaningful access to equal justice. Your primaryduties andresponsibilities includemeeting regularlywith your manager, providinghigh-quality legal work,helpingtoguide andmentorteam members, andmaintainingcompliance with ULS guidelines and LSC requirements.Youwill also serve as asenior paralegal whois directly takingactive cases and working with clients.
Job Duties andResponsibilities
SeniorParalegal
- Attendandassistwithteam meetings that promote discussionabout administrative issues,legal skills,and professional development.
- Assistwith providingsubstantive training and coaching in basic litigation skills to developparalegaland prepare them for casework, hearings, and trial.
- Engage in active team building and create a positive work environment.
- Participate as a member of the hiring committee as requested by the HR Director.
- Provide coachingand mentoringtostaff, as invited bymanagement.
Case Managementand Legal Work
- Use the ULS case management system,LegalServer, to bill time, manage clients and track caserelated tasks and deadlines fortimelycommunications, services, and representation.
- Follow case handling protocolsand best practices.
- Support a ULS attorney bymaintainingan average caseloadof60-120cases basedon the level of serviceand your other workloadand duties.
- Regularly and strategically review case status and tasks, updating as needed.
- Review cases for Case ServiceReport (CSR) complianceand then properly closecases.
- Actively meet withyourassigned attorney to do case reviews and to make sure cases areproceedingtimely.
AdditionalTasks
- Maintain relationships with current community partners and develop new relationshipsthat will further ULSs mission and aid in improving the legal services we provide.This may include serving as a member of a Utah State Bar or Court Committee, as an officer ofthe ParalegalDivision orAffinity Group, or other committee as approved by the Director of Community Engagement and a member of the ULS Executive Team.
- AttendULS staffmeetings.
- Completeappropriate continuingeducation and certification requirements such as continuing legal education (CLEs).
- Participate inand developcommunity engagement efforts including at clinics, community education classes, and outreachto further ULSs mission andmaintainrelationships with community partners and stakeholders.
- Train and oversee volunteers, as assigned.
- 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.
- Must be able to pass a Utah Criminal Record background check.
- Admissionto theUtah State BarParalegal Division(or the ability and plan toapplyas soon as possible).
- Possess extensive legal experience (often5+ years).
- Demonstrate the ability to lead, supervise, and motivate others.
- Ability to analyze complex situations and make sound decisionstobenefitULS and our clients.
Job Factors/Physical Requirement
- Must be able to travel tomeetings and court proceedings as needed.
- Must be able to sit for extended periods of time.
Hourly Rate
- Senior Paralegal range $24 - $27
FLSA Status
- Non-exempt, full time
Reports to
- Managing Paralegal
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.