Paralegal

Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, Inc. (LSEM), a non-profit law firm that provides free legal assistance to people living with low income/low opportunity, seeks a full-time Paralegal to work in its Consumer Law Program. 

The Consumer Law Program helps eligible clients with a wide array of consumer issues, including consumer fraud, deception and abuse cases, consumer debt-defense litigation and counterclaims, and tenant’s rights litigation.
 

Responsibilities

· Conducting all aspects of general case management and file maintenance

· Maintaining and following standard procedures and refining workflows

· Drafting pleadings, notices, papers, and correspondence

· Conducting fact investigations and document gathering 

· Providing all aspects of litigation support for attorneys (e.g., preparing exhibits and trial materials, filing pleadings, arranging for service of process, scheduled depositions, etc.)

· Drafting, cataloging, and organizing discovery requests and responses, and assisting clients and attorneys with answering discovery requests

· Performing client intake and support, as needed

· Communicating with the public, clients, opposing counsel, and the courts

· Building and maintaining relationships with partner organizations, the public, and the courts 

· Organizing and participating in community outreach events (court table, speaking events, clinics) and creating outreach materials

· Perform general administrative tasks for the program, including but not limited to drafting documents, operating office equipment, and calendar management, etc.

· Other duties as assigned

· Previous legal assistant or paralegal experience is a plus

· Familiarity with case management software is preferred 

· Strong administrative skills 

· Organizational skills and attention to detail 

· Excellent communication skills, work ethic, flexibility, and teamwork 

· Ability to relate well and work with elderly, disabled, and low-income clients 

· Willing to collaborate with diverse community stakeholders 

· Proficient in Microsoft Office, and a willingness to learn new technology and software

What we do
LSEM advances justice through legal representation, education, and supportive services. We partner with the community to improve lives, promote fairness, and create opportunities for those in need. Since 1956, LSEM has provided high-quality civil legal assistance and equal access to justice for low-income people in 21 counties in Missouri. We accomplish our mission through systemic advocacy/impact litigation and individual case work in a wide range of substantive civil areas which are in our priorities, e.g., family law for victims of domestic violence, prevention of homelessness/housing, health, public benefits, consumer, education, disability, community economic development, and immigration. As part of our community education/outreach efforts, LSEM works with over 150 agencies and participates in over 35 task forces/coalitions. LSEM also has a vibrant Volunteer Lawyers Program.

Who we are

At Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, we embrace a culture that celebrates and promotes the many backgrounds, heritages, and perspectives of our colleagues and clients. We seek to hire individuals from a variety of backgrounds, who are professional, collaborative, and creative thinkers with a passion for our mission, and create an environment where everyone can thrive. We strongly encourage applications from all qualified individuals and will make employment decisions based on merit.

How to Apply
Upload your resume and cover letter through our online application. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.
 

Salary & Benefits Information
The salary range for this position is $43,400-$65,200. Specific salary within the range will be determined by years of relevant experience. Excellent benefits include medical, dental and vision insurance, a generous time off policy (starting at 4 weeks per year), 11 paid holidays, 12 weeks paid parental leave, 403(b) and 401(a) retirement plans, long-term disability and life insurance, and an employee assistance plan. An in-person/remote hybrid work option is also available, after a short training period.
 

Submission Deadline

Applications will be considered until position is filled.

 

Equal access to Legal Services of Eastern Missouri’s office is available. Those applicants requiring accommodation to the interview/application process should contact Human Resources at the e-mail HR@lsem.org. Legal Services of Eastern Missouri is an equal opportunity employer.