Job Description
POSITION: EJVP Coordinator - Denton (Full-Time Position)
CLOSING DATE: Position Immediately Available and Closed When Filled
LOCATION: Hybrid/Remote - Denton, Texas
OVERVIEW: A non-profit public interest law firm dedicated to providing high-quality free civil legal services to low-income individuals in North and West Texas is seeking a dynamic, self-starting individual with vision, initiative, and a demonstrated commitment to public interest law. The ideal candidate will fill an Equal Justice Volunteer Program (EJVP) paralegal position in the organization's Denton office.
DESCRIPTION: As the EJVP coordinator, you will work closely with private attorneys, volunteers, local bar associations, the Director of Pro Bono and Bar Relations, Managing Attorney, and the entire branch staff to carry out the EJVP efforts for the Denton office. This role is pivotal in ensuring access to justice for underprivileged communities by coordinating volunteer legal clinics and recruiting volunteer staff.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Ensure compliance with Legal Services Corporation Act and regulations, as well as the organization's plan and policies.
- Implement and manage the branch office's EJVP efforts throughout the geographic area served by the office.
- Participate in the activities of local and remote bar associations, legal organizations, and statewide task forces.
- Maintain strong working relationships with local bar associations, individual participating attorneys, and serve as a liaison between these groups and the firm's staff.
- Organize and conduct legal clinics in the community.
- Recruit pro bono attorneys to participate in the EJVP program, including legal clinics and accepting full-service pro bono cases.
- Open, maintain, and close cases in the case management system.
- Conduct client intake by answering and returning applicant and client calls, conducting initial client screening, referring ineligible clients to other resources or providers, and creating electronic client files.
- Investigate and develop assigned cases and projects, including conducting necessary interviews.
- Make and follow up on referrals of clients to appropriate alternative or additional sources of assistance.
- Draft pleadings, orders, letters, memos, and other written materials relating to assigned cases or projects.
- File legal papers/pleadings at the courthouse or through e-filing, including setting hearing dates and interacting with court staff, opposing parties, and clients.
- Maintain accurate, complete, and well-organized records and files regarding assigned cases and projects.
- Answer phones, return calls, assist other staff, and perform clerical work as necessary, including scanning documents, filing, and processing mail.
- Conduct orientation sessions for all participating pro bono volunteers.
- Refer cases and provide necessary support to pro bono attorneys participating in the EJVP program.
- Monitor the status of EJVP cases to ensure timely and appropriate handling.
- Participate in staffing meetings to assist in determining suitable cases for EJVP referrals.
- Involve the branch staff in EJVP activities.
- Review office quarterly statistical reports with the Managing Attorney to detect trends and locate problem areas.
- Travel to remote counties as needed to implement and nurture EJVP efforts.
- Provide oral reports for EJVP staff meetings.
- Participate in training events and other meetings to enhance knowledge and skills needed in the EJVP program.
- Design a system to recognize pro bono volunteers for their contribution to the organization.
- Maintain a high degree of confidentiality and professionalism regarding client matters.
- Maintain professionalism toward clients, visitors, and staff.
- Perform any other duties as may be assigned by the Managing Attorney, the Director of Pro Bono & Bar Relations, Deputy Director, or the Chief Executive Officer.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Associate's Degree and paralegal certification is preferred.
- 2 years of prior law office experience preferred.
- Prior experience in family law preferred.
- Candidate must be detail-oriented, organized, and self-motivated.
- Ability to establish priorities and meet deadlines.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Comfortable speaking in public.
- Ability to interact professionally and courteously with individuals at all levels.
- Excellent computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft products preferred.
- Ability to work independently and exercise good judgment while maintaining client confidentiality, integrity, and discretion in the performance of all duties.
- Ability to engage in occasional work-related travel.
- Excellent attendance record.
- Readiness to have a flexible work schedule, including commitments to evening hours.
SALARY & BENEFITS: The current entry-level salary for this position is $36,500 per year, with the potential for a significantly higher salary based on the applicant's years of experience. The EJVP paralegal is a non-exempt employee subject to state and federal wage and hour laws. The organization offers an excellent benefits package that includes paid vacation and holidays, a retirement plan, and health, dental, and life insurance.
Please submit a cover letter expressing your interest, a resume, and a list of professional references during the application process.
This organization is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and veterans are encouraged to apply.
Employment Type: Full-Time
Salary: $ 36,000.00 37,000.00 Per Year
Job Tags
Holiday work, Full time, Temporary work, Local area, Immediate start, Remote job, Flexible hours, Afternoon shift,