Atlanta Legal Aid Society, Inc. (“Legal Aid”) seeks a Family Advocacy Paralegal to work in its South Fulton and Clayton County office located in south Atlanta. Our non-profit law firm represents low-income people in a variety of civil legal matters including family, housing, consumer, public benefits, education and health law. In addition to providing general legal services, the South Fulton and Clayton County office houses several specialized projects, including the Family Advocacy Office (“FAO”). The FAO helps survivors of intimate partner violence, stalking, and child abuse obtain Temporary Protective Orders through advice, representation, and navigation of financial and other resources. The South Fulton and Clayton County office is comprised of a managing attorney, 7 full time attorneys, and support staff.
Responsibilities: The Paralegal completes intake and provides referral resources for applicants who have been granted ex-parte temporary protective orders. The Paralegal conducts client interviews; refers cases to attorneys for advice and possible representation; completes detailed assessments for cases that fall within the office’s priorities for ongoing services; organizes required data for grants and assists in preparation of periodic reports; works to insure a consistent referral process from other agencies and organizations; and develops and maintains relationships with court and county personnel. Additionally, the Paralegal provides client follow up, prepares documents, and attends court as appropriate; provides navigation services including making referrals and providing hands-on help to survivors in obtaining financial and rental assistance, victim compensation, counseling services, danger assessments and safety planning, housing searches, and other services to enable survivors to live independent from their abusers. The Paralegal also provides litigation support in divorce, custody, and child support proceedings including interviewing clients; communicating with clients about their legal rights and legal procedures under the direction of an attorney; opening, maintaining and archiving client files; assisting with case investigation; preparing and organizing documents including pleadings and discovery; arranging service of process; assisting with hearing and trial preparation; and refers clients to the private bar or other resources; engages in community outreach; performs other paralegal and clerical work as needed.
Qualifications: A paralegal certificate or degree is preferred but not required. The people seeking our services are often in very stressful situations so applicants must possess patience, and excellent listening, communication and interpersonal skills. Excellent writing skills; proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace and a willingness to learn other programs; resourcefulness; adaptability; the ability to work in a team and with a diverse population are required. Previous experience in family law, work with survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault or elder abuse, or low-income people is strongly preferred. Proficiency in languages other than English is highly valued.
Salary and Benefits: The salary is $34,500+ depending on experience. Salaries increase annually based on a salary scale. We recently engaged a compensation consultant to review our current structure and make recommendations for improvement. The program provides generous fringe benefits including 18 paid holidays (in 2024), 6 weeks paid time off, 6 weeks parental leave; health (including optional dental and vision coverage), life, and long and short-term disability insurance; partial payment for dependent health insurance; a salary reduction option for a flexible spending account; educational loan reimbursement up to $600 per month (after a set off of other loan reimbursement amounts); and a voluntary tax-sheltered annuity with 3% match. Legal Aid offers a hybrid work schedule that allows staff to work 2 days remotely each week subject to the approval of management and a probationary employment period. This position may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education.
Application Requirements: Submit a letter of interest; resume; official school transcript (a copy is acceptable pending your order of an official transcript); recent writing sample (email, letter or memorandum); and the names, phone numbers, and email addresses of three professional references (preferably individuals who have supervised or managed your work) as one (1) PDF using our online application system at atlantalegalaid.org/jobs. Only applications with all of the requested documents will be considered for an interview.
Your application will be acknowledged. No phone calls please. For assistance with technical difficulties in submitting your application, please email [email protected].
Legal Aid considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or any other legally protected status.