Legal Assistant (Civil Division)

$34265 - $44050 / year

Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (TRLA) has an opening for a Legal Assistant with placement in Austin, TX., to work with the civil division.  The candidate should be detailed-oriented, punctual, self-driven, able to work on multiple assignments at once, and responsive to the legal needs of low-income persons.  The work schedule is Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., plus additional hours if occasionally requested to meet deadlines. Working under the supervision of the office manager, the primary duties of the legal assistant include, but are not limited to, the following: 

1. Type, file, and handle all clerical office matters for the casehandlers to whom assigned; 

2. Maintain client files and applications and complete assigned work on case files within the required time frame; 

3. Make copies of documents as requested; 

4. Create files for all new cases; 

5. Notarize documents; 

6. Communicate with clients and other lawyers as requested; 

7. Coordinate schedules and maintain case requirements calendar of casehandlers, as requested; 

8. Prepare standard pleadings for review by attorneys; 

9. Set hearings, depositions, and other appointments with clients and other attorneys as requested; 

10. Compose routine correspondence; 

11. Obtain information from the database and check conflict of interest; 

12. Make appropriate disposition of applications as instructed by an assigned attorney; 

13. Answer office telephone, and take messages for other staff; 

14. Greet clients and other visitors to the office; 

15. Handle incoming and outgoing mail, ensuring that all income mail is distributed to the appropriate parties and that outgoing correspondence is prepared in time and is placed in the appropriate location for mailing; 

16. Assist in overflow work to ensure smooth office operations; 

17. Maintain office equipment by replenishing toner in copiers and printers when necessary and refilling copier and printer paper trays as needed; and respond to equipment breakdowns, distracting office conditions and other office conditions requiring management attention; 

18. Maintain office supply inventory and requisitions supplies and office equipment when necessary; 

19. Translate; 

20. All other secretarial duties as may be requested by the immediate supervisor. 

TRLA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

This position requires, consistent with TRLA’s policy and subject to applicable law, a candidate to provide proof of complete COVID-19 vaccination prior to commencing employment.