Paralegal B (Housing Group)
($37,840 - $51,230)
TRLA has openings for a Housing Paralegal to work throughout the TRLA service area as part of the housing group and the Tenant Eviction Relief Project. Fluency in Spanish is strongly preferred. Successful candidates must be able to work in a fast-paced environment. The Paralegal will represent low-income clients in housing matters and assist housing attorneys in all aspects of their cases. The Paralegal will also be required to travel between courts and rent assistance clinics. TRLA operates one of the largest legal aids in the country and is nationally recognized for high-quality, zealous advocacy for our clients. A commitment to serving low-income Texans is important to this position.
Working under the supervision of attorneys, the paralegal duties include the following:
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Provide direct representation of clients in administrative proceedings, including representation before housing authorities, utility companies, etc.
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Maintain a client caseload, exercising the independent professional judgment required of an advocate on all aspects of each individual case.
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Assist in the negotiation with opposing parties, which will include frequent contact with landlords, public housing managers, apartment managers, public housing caseworkers, opposing counsel, etc.
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Assist in litigation support, including drafting pleadings, affidavits, and discovery.
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Conduct eligibility and substantive interviews in person and by telephone. Interviews may at times take place outside the regular office setting.
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Provide basic information and referrals to applicants.
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Maintain accurate and complete client files and administrative records, including data entry into client database and other requirements, such as timekeeping.
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Outreach to the community, including legal education presentations. Presentations will take place outside of the regular office setting and after office hours.
Qualifications:
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Preferably bilingual in English and Spanish;
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Degree in relevant field preferred;
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Excellent oral and writing skills;
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Word processing, Internet, and office skills required;
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Proficiency in Office365/Microsoft Office (highly preferred)
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Have a valid driver’s license and available transportation;
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Strong preference for verbal, reading, and writing skills in Spanish sufficient to communicate fluently with clients and to translate lengthy written documents, primarily from Spanish to English
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.
Complete online application. You will need to upload a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and a list of professional references.
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