Every day, people across Illinois are denied the basic rights to which they are entitled under the law simply because they can't afford a lawyer. It's our mission to change that.
Prairie State Legal Services is seeking a Paralegal to join our team in the Joliet office. Paralegals at PSLS provide a wide range of support to attorneys that enables them to serve some of the most vulnerable members of our communities, including low-income individuals, older adults, veterans, and people with disabilities. We focus our services on legal problems that impact the ability of our clients to meet their basic human needs, including physical safety, access to healthcare, adequate housing, and financial stability. Prairie State is the only legal aid organization serving the majority of our area, and we take pride in providing high-quality legal services to our clients while fostering a work environment that is motivating, collaborative, and rewarding, with numerous opportunities for professional growth.
Responsibilities
Among other duties as assigned, the Paralegal will:
Maintain contact with clients to provide information on the status of their cases
Prepare pleadings and correspondence for Attorneys as assigned
Prepare correspondence and documents for direct services to clients
Monitor case files to see that they contain all required documents
Generate and mail notices for court proceedings and schedule matters on the court docket
Work with PSLS attorneys to assist clients in a wide range of legal problems, including family law, domestic violence litigation, administrative law, Social Security Disability benefits, landlord/tenant, and other matters
Support the attorneys in their legal work including assisting with and preparation of routine pleadings, notices, subpoenas, correspondence, and other similar documents; scheduling court dates; e-filing; scheduling client appointments in open cases; assisting with medical and other records requests; assisting attorneys with file organization and review of closed files; and assisting with filing
Enter client information and data into case management software
Perform a variety of other office tasks such as typing, copying, faxing, and emailing
Assist with medical and other records requests
Periodically assisting with off-site intake
Salary and Benefits
The Paralegal position is a full-time position at 37.5 hours per week. PSLS offers a salary that is competitive with similar organizations. The Paralegal position salary range is $42,000 to $54,139 annually for candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and increase with relevant experience. PSLS is committed to providing an excellent, comprehensive benefits package to its full-time employees that includes:
Health insurance, including the opportunity to qualify for a wellness credit
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
403b retirement plan, including employer contributions
Training and education program
PTO that starts at nearly 3 weeks/year and increases with additional years worked at PSLS
Paid sick leave
6 weeks of paid parental leave after one year of employment
12 paid holidays
Qualifications
This role is based entirely on-site and does not support remote work
2-year associate degree, 4-year bachelor's degree, and/or a paralegal certificate
Previous legal experience preferred
Excellent organizational and oral/written communication skills
Proficient with computers and online tools
Travel to other offices is necessary; valid driver's license and/or reliable transportation is required
We will give preference to candidates who have experience providing services to low-income individuals
PSLS is an equal opportunity employer that strives to create a welcoming environment. We recruit, employ, pay, and promote qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, national origin or citizenship, ancestry, religion, sex, disability, familial status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, pregnancy, military status or unfavorable discharge from military service, or other characteristics protected by law.
For more information, or to apply now, you must go to the website below. Please DO NOT email your resume to us as we only accept applications through our website.
This role is based entirely on-site and does not support remote work
2-year associate degree, 4-year bachelor's degree, and/or a paralegal certificate
Previous legal experience preferred
Excellent organizational and oral/written communication skills
Proficient with computers and online tools
Travel to other offices is necessary; valid driver's license and/or reliable transportation is required
We will give preference to candidates who have experience providing services to low-income individuals
For more information, or to apply now, you must go to the website below. Please DO NOT email your resume to us as we only accept applications through our website.
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