Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (TRLA) seeks a Paralegal A assigned to support TRLA's efforts to provide free legal services to clients across a variety of practice areas, which may include Housing, Immigration, Public Benefits, Employment, and Family. This is an in-person position at the assigned office location.
TRLA is one of the largest legal aid providers in the country and is nationally recognized for its high-quality, zealous, client-centered advocacy. With experts in over 45 civil practice areas, TRLA is uniquely equipped to deliver holistic legal services to address clients' interconnected needs. TRLA also collaborates directly with local agencies and community partners to reach the most vulnerable members of our client population. TRLA attorneys and advocates are part of a community of frontline advocates across Southwest Texas delivering much needed legal assistance to clients in metropolitan areas and also underserved rural and border communities.
A Paralegal A duties and responsibilities are essential to ensuring that eligible clients receive timely legal assistance, thorough case preparation, and meaningful representation.
Duties:
- Conduct intakes with clients, including eligibility screenings and substantive interviews, in person and through remote communication systems (telephone, video);
- Maintain regular communication with clients through meetings, telephone calls, and written correspondence, ensuring clients are informed of case developments and upcoming deadlines;
- Coordinate with team members and stakeholders to facilitate client communication, appointments, case-related activities, and administrative processes;
- Conduct follow-up and fact investigation in assigned cases, including gathering evidence, requesting records, and researching applicable law;
- Interview clients and witnesses and draft declarations statements;
- With attorney supervision, prepare forms and legal documents, including but not limited to interview preparation materials, motions, filings with administrative agencies, and other affirmative filings;
- Gather and organize evidence, including medical and mental health records;
- Communicate with and interview clients, witnesses, family members, and other contacts to develop the factual record in each case;
- Assist attorneys in case strategy development and hearing preparation;
- Schedule, organize, and facilitate attorney-client meetings;
- Present legal education and know-your-rights materials for clients, including rights advisories, procedural guides, and orientation presentations;
- Maintain accurate and complete client files and administrative records in compliance with program standards;
- Provide document translation and interpretation services for clients;
- Provide legal information and referrals to individuals who are not accepted for direct representation;
- Attend and participate in community group meetings and educational forums to conduct intake and make community legal education presentations;
- Track hearing dates, filing deadlines, and other critical case milestones to ensure timely completion of all deliverables; and
- Perform other related duties and tasks as assigned by Team Managers and attorneys
Required Qualifications:
- Fluency in English and Spanish
- Possess verbal, reading and writing skills sufficient to comprehend administrative law manuals and to adequately advocate on behalf of clients
Preferred Qualifications:
- College degree or equivalent paralegal experience
- Excellent verbal communication and writing skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team of attorneys, paralegals, social workers, and staff located throughout TRLA’s 68-county service area
- Ability to manage high-volume urgent deadlines
- Valid driver's license; some travel is required
- Dedication to serving low-income, vulnerable, underserved populations
Skills Required
- Fluency in English and Spanish
- Verbal, reading, and writing skills sufficient to comprehend administrative law manuals and advocate for clients
- College degree or equivalent paralegal experience
- Excellent verbal communication and writing skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Ability to manage high-volume urgent deadlines
- Valid driver's license
- Dedication to serving low-income, vulnerable, and underserved populations
What We Do
Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (TRLA) is a nonprofit organization that provides free civil legal services to low-income residents in 68 counties across Texas. Established in 1970, it is one of the largest legal aid providers in the United States. TRLA focuses on empowering vulnerable communities by offering high-quality legal representation and advocacy in areas such as family law, housing, employment, and civil rights, ensuring equal access to justice for all.
