Position Summary [Purpose and Scope]: The Legal Assistant provides essential administrative and clerical support to SPARCC’s legal team in injunction and family law cases. They will work alongside three staff attorneys to ensure efficient and effective delivery of legal services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. This position plays a critical role in maintaining organized, accurate, and confidential legal records while supporting the day-to-day operations of the legal department.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities:
- Manage incoming and outgoing correspondence, scheduling of appointments/managing attorney calendar, and other legal department communications and activities
- Gathering records/evidence, assisting with trial/evidence preparation.
- Prepare and distribute closure letters and other client correspondence under attorney direction
- Assist attorneys with the preparation and filing of legal documents
- Perform conflict checks for prospective clients prior to case intake in accordance with established protocols
- Maintain and organize legal files, case documentation, and client records with a high degree of accuracy and confidentiality
- Assist with the preparation of monthly legal program reports, including compiling data and tracking case statistics
- Prepare and distribute closure letters and other client correspondence under attorney direction
- Participate in trainings to meet continuing education and certification requirements
- Keep Supervisor apprised of activities, informally and by written word
- Perform other duties as necessary or assigned.
Knowledge/Skills Requirements:
High school diploma or equivalent required. Associate’s degree or legal secretary/paralegal certificate preferred. Minimum of two (2) years of experience as a legal secretary or legal administrative assistant required; experience in family law, civil legal aid, or nonprofit legal services preferred.
Knowledge/Skills Requirements: In addition to the skills and abilities previously described, the following are also required:
- Knowledge of legal terminology, court procedures, and legal document formatting.
- Experience with Florida E-filing Portal and Judicial Automated Calendaring system (JACS) preferred.
- Demonstrated sensitivity and commitment to working with survivors of trauma, domestic violence, or sexual assault preferred.
- Proficiency with Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft products including Excel.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.
- Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy in document preparation and data entry.
- Ability to maintain strict confidentiality in handling sensitive client and case information.
- Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills. Strong relationship management and interpersonal skills including internal/external customer service skills.
- Must always demonstrate highly professional conduct.
- Bilingual in Spanish and English preferred.
- Must pass Florida Department of Law Enforcement criminal background check, be eligible to work in the U.S., have reliable transportation and a valid Florida driver’s license.
Physical Requirements: Position requires physical ability to lift approximately 25 lbs., sit or be on feet for extend periods of time, bend freely, and reach objects overhead. Must be able to converse on a telephone and use a keyboard effectively.
Agency Requirements: All Employees of SPARCC are expected to demonstrate a commitment to the SPARCC values: Survivor-Focused, Compassion, Integrity, Connectedness and Collaboration.
· I will strive to practice these mission based values daily in my work in order to create an atmosphere where clients and staff are heard and responded to appropriately.
· I agree to be held accountable for my actions and agree to hold co-workers accountable in order to create a responsible environment.
· I recognize that providing and supporting quality client services is the priority and my actions, attitude, and involvement should positively impact every client’s experience.
Pay: $24.00 – $28.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
