Paralegal - Legal Services

Casey Family Programs, an Equal Opportunity Employer, is the nation’s largest operating foundation focused on safely reducing the need for foster care and building Communities of Hope for children and families across America.  Founded in 1966, Casey Family Programs works in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, two territories, and tribal nations to influence long-lasting improvements to the safety and success of children, families and the communities where they live. Casey Family Programs values diversity, equity, inclusion, anti-racism, anti-discrimination, and respect for individuals in the workplace. We encourage candidates with diverse lived experience and perspectives to apply.

Job Summary:

This position provides general paralegal support to the legal department’s attorneys.  The Paralegal will provide day-to-day management of records and subpoenas with oversight from Counsel; provide litigation support; draft legal documents and correspondence at Counsel’s request, including the organization’s contract and grant transactions; provide technical assistance and support in the organization’s contracting process; conduct basic legal research and analysis for Counsel; and support other risk management functions of the department.

 Essential Responsibilities:

• Manages record keeping practices for the organization, in consultation with Counsel.  Researches and makes recommendations on, and assists in overseeing records management guidelines and retention schedules to comply with licensing, accreditation, child welfare, risk management, and legal and business requirements. In consultation with Counsel, trains, audits, and advises other work units in connection with records retention and destruction obligations.
• Reviews, evaluates, and researches complex records requests, including identifying and analyzing privacy and legal issues relating to the requests, in order to provide recommendations to Counsel on how to respond. Responsible for internally tracking all requests, redacting sensitive information, and timely responding to requests.
• Internally tracks and documents all aspects of disputes, claims, investigations, and discovery requests. Responsible for calendaring deadlines and file organization. Under the direction of Counsel, responds to subpoenas, manages litigation holds, manages document review and production to outside counsel, drafts legal documents and correspondence, and communicates with internal and external stakeholders.
• Reviews, drafts, negotiates, and finalizes contractual agreements with Counsel oversight. This includes: (1) Vendor Agreements, (2) Grants, (3) Agreements with Governmental Entities, (4) Collaboration Agreements, and (5) other unique contractual arrangements.
• Provides technical assistance regarding agreements and contracts to ensure efficient contracting. At direction of Counsel, analyzes contractual issues relevant to nonprofits such as direct qualifying expenditures and other aspects of contracts such as independent contractor qualification, signature authority limitations, and risk management issues.
• Conducts basic legal research and analysis, drafts research memoranda, and makes recommendations to Counsel on relevant subject matters.
• Assists with consultation and training on the following content areas: (1) Contracts, (2) the Contract Management System, (3) Purchasing and Engagement Guidelines, (4) Direct Qualifying Expenditures, and (5) Intellectual Property.
• Assists with all aspects of the Legal Department work efforts including development and implementation of, and training on, guidelines and best practices regarding legal, compliance,   licensing and accreditation requirements.
• Supports risk management processes of the Legal Department, as requested.
• Brings knowledge of innovations and technologies to the attention of Counsel and applies appropriate improvements and changes to enhance the outcomes of the group.
• Participates on projects, committees, and teams, and performs other duties as assigned or required to facilitate timely and professional provision of services to internal and external customers.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred. Paralegal Certification or JD required, with a desired minimum of six years’ career experience as a paralegal or staff attorney in a law firm, in-house, or both.  Certification or training in information governance, as a privacy professional, or as a contracts specialist highly desirable.
• The essential professional qualifications include:
  • excellent project management, organizational ability, and attention to detail;
  • ability to work independently as well as effectively partner and collaborate as part of a team;
  • analytical and strategic thinking and business acumen;
  • ability to identify legal risks and assess complex matters;
  • sound judgement in deciding when to resolve issues independently and when to consult Counsel;
  • clear and concise oral and written communication skills, including the ability to present to groups;
  • ability to identify and resolve issues proactively, creatively, and expeditiously; and
  • ability to effectively manage multiple priorities and competing deadlines.

• A balance of assertiveness and diplomacy is important, as well as the ability to be flexible and adapt to a diverse workload and in-house clientele.
• Experience conducting legal research, including on Westlaw, and ability to clearly communicate results and analysis to Counsel is required.
• Ability to protect the confidentiality of sensitive information, including by learning and following all relevant policies and protocols and using sound judgment in the handling and sharing of that information.
• Proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Access, and working knowledge of SharePoint), Adobe, and interest and ability to learn other technological systems is necessary.
• Knowledge of and experience with collaborations and partnerships, the infrastructures of child and family serving systems, and legal and tax requirements related to nonprofits is desired.
• The successful candidate must value diversity and have experience working in a diverse environment or community with regard to ethnicity, socio-economic backgrounds, and lifestyles.
• This is a regular full-time position that may require travel up to 15% of the time.
• Physical requirements include the ability to lift and reach for light objects; close visual acuity to prepare and analyze data, text, and figures; ability to type utilizing a computer keyboard; ability to travel to outside locations; and the ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time as a primary job function. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Driving on Casey business may require use of personal vehicle; adherence to vehicle safety guidelines and qualification for insurance is required. 

The salary range for the role is $87,040 to $117,760. As a mission-driven organization, Casey strives to balance competitive pay with our mission. New hires salaries are typically between the range minimum and the salary range midpoint of $102,400. Actual placement in the range will depend on a candidate’s job-related skills, experience, and expertise, as evaluated during the interview process.

Casey Family Programs offers comprehensive benefits including medical, dental and vision coverage, accrual of 12 days of annual leave, 12 days of sick leave,10 paid holidays per year, and each employee receives one personal holiday to use each calendar year. Employees that meet certain tenure qualifiers are eligible for up to eight weeks of parental leave for the birth or placement of a child for adoption or foster care. After the completion of 10 years of continuous, full-time regular employment, employees in good standing are permitted for a three-month sabbatical with pay. CFP also offers many opportunities for continued learning, training, and development.

This position will remain open until the needs are met and is subject to closure at any time without notice. It is to your advantage to file your application early as you will not be able to apply once the position has closed.