Intake Paralegal

Legal Services of Eastern Michigan

Intake Paralegal

Legal Services of Eastern Michigan is a nonprofit civil law firm which has been providing legal assistance to marginalized community members for over 50 years. It serves 14 mid-Michigan counties from offices in Flint and Saginaw. The agency’s mission is to provide civil legal services for those who need it the most and have the least access. We envision communities where individuals have affordable access to resources to meet their justice needs and can pursue their legal rights through effective advocacy.

Position Overview

The intake paralegal is a forward-facing position at LSEM, and is frequently the first point of client contact. The intake paralegal is responsible for acquiring necessary background information from prospective clients, for screening for eligibility, and for legal issue spotting. The intake paralegal makes sure that all required client information is received and processed and that appointments are made with the proper clinic or advocate. The intake paralegal is also tasked with some clerical duties such as securing signed documents to verify eligibility, managing incoming paperwork, handling data entry, and answering phones.

Individuals in this position should be able to work in a fast-paced environment and have the time-management and multitasking skills necessary to perform a variety of duties concurrently. The position also requires a solid understanding of the legal environment and knowledge of its functions at the client’s point of entry. Data entry proficiency is critical as information gathered from clients will be directly entered into the case management system in real time.

Responsibilities

· Initiate or respond to initial client contact to gather required legal and demographic data (includes telephone, voicemail or in person contact)

· Perform intake interviews to assess client eligibility and legal issues

· Schedule appointments and complete necessary intake paperwork

· Provide client referrals to other entities

· Provide legal information and occasional legal advice as directed by a supervising attorney

· Process electronic and telephonic messages into the organization's case management system for client contact response

· Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; and, participating in professional societies

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills

· Proficiency with Microsoft Office Software and Google Applications

· Familiarity with timekeeping and Case Management Systems

· Customer service oriented

· Strong oral and written communication abilities

· Process management and improvement capability and system development

Qualifications

A Paralegal Certification or prior legal environment experience is preferred but not required.

Salary

Salary is commensurate with qualifications

Benefits include but are not limited to: paid holidays; paid sick, vacation, and personal days; medical, life, short-term, and long-term disability insurance; a retirement plan with matched employer contribution; a student loan repayment plan; a professional development allowance; and an annual employer contribution to a flexible spending account.

Application

Interested applicants should send a cover letter, resume, and three (3) references.

LSEM is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage all potentially qualified applicants to apply.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $17.07 - $19.38 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Disability insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Free parking
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person