Legal Assistant

Position Overview

Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (TRLA) extends free civil legal assistance across 68 counties in Southwest Texas and supports migrant and seasonal farmworkers within Texas and six additional southern states. Serving around 23,000 clients annually, TRLA faces a high demand where over 2.6 million residents qualify for these legal services though access remains limited.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage clerical tasks including typing and filing for assigned casehandlers.
• Organize and maintain client files and applications, ensuring timely completion of tasks related to case files.
• Copy documentation and establish new case files.
• Notarize documents and oversee the office law library.
• Communicate efficiently with clients and legal professionals as necessary.
• Schedule hearings, depositions, appointments, and keep case calendars updated.
• Prepare standard legal pleadings for attorney review and compose routine correspondence.
• Verify information through databases and conduct conflict of interest checks.
• Process applications as guided by attorneys, handle incoming calls and mail appropriately.
• Support overflow tasks to maintain smooth office functionality.
• Maintain office equipment supplies, troubleshoot issues, and order supplies or equipment when needed.
• Manage trust accounts incorporating standard accounting procedures including check typing and receipts under branch manager's oversight.
• Provide orientation to new employees and update staff on policy/procedure changes.
• Coordinate staff leave, travel arrangements, and assist with translation services.
• Perform additional secretarial duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Work Schedule and Environment

The role follows a Monday through Friday schedule, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with occasional extended hours to meet deadlines.

Salary Details

Position compensation ranges between $41,765 and $53,269 annually.