Litigation Paralegal

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 up to 5% after 1 year of employment
• 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 fill the following position:

Litigation Paralegal

OVERVIEW:
The Litigation Department Paralegal provides paraprofessional legal support to the Director of Litigation and litigation attorneys on high-profile and impact litigation matters. This role supports all aspects of the litigation process, from client intake and investigation to trial preparation, ensuring cases are handled in accordance with Community Legal Services’ (CLS) mission, program guidelines, ABA Standards for Providers of Civil Legal Services, and the Florida Rules of Professional Conduct.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Conduct client intakes, determine eligibility, and gather relevant case information
2. Interview clients and witnesses, investigate facts, collect evidence, and prepare detailed reports for attorney review.
3. Maintain regular communication with clients regarding case status under attorney supervision.
4. Assist attorneys in preparing pleadings, discovery requests/responses, motions, and trial exhibits.
5. Perform legal research using computer-based databases (e.g., Westlaw) and summarize findings.
6. Coordinate service of process, prepare affidavits, and file legal documents with courts and agencies.
7. Assist in organizing case files, maintaining litigation calendars, and tracking deadlines.
8. Represent clients at administrative hearings within guidelines governing advocacy by non-attorneys.
9. Assist with the litigation components of CLS’s Advocacy Plan, including strategic advocacy projects.
10. Assist with trials and serve as part of a Trial Team when unit cases proceed to trial.
11. Maintain accurate and well-organized electronic case records and ensure compliance with reporting requirements, including grant-related documentation.
12. Work jointly with supervising attorneys on assigned cases and co-counsel matters as directed.
13. Participate in training programs to enhance litigation skills and substantive law knowledge.
14. Participate in outreach activities to educate clients, community organizations, and stakeholders on CLS’s litigation work.
15. Build and maintain relationships with community partners to support litigation and advocacy initiatives.
16. Attend and assist with public forums, media engagements, and community events at the direction of the Director of Litigation.
17. Assist in developing materials for strategic planning, policy development, and advocacy campaigns.
18. Perform other related duties as assigned in furtherance of CLS’s mission.

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.

2.  Background and Experience

1. Legal Studies Education and/or Paralegal certification.
2. Must be a Florida Registered Paralegal (FRP) in good standing with the Florida bar. 
3. Law firm experience (2+years), experience in support of litigation and commitment working with low-income and/or vulnerable clients and communities on civil legal matters 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 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: $50,000, 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. It should not be considered 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.