Family Law & Victim Rights Paralegal

Pine Tree Legal Assistance

Family Law & Victim Rights Paralegal

Location: Portland; Hybrid remote

The Pine Tree Family Law and Victim Rights (FLVR) paralegal is responsible for handling intake and addressing legal needs of victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and trafficking. The position is based in Portland and is structured to support the statewide Family Law and Victim Rights (FLVR) Unit as one of a team of three paralegals. Case acceptance decisions are made by the unit as a whole, consistent with Pine Tree’s priorities
and specific grant requirements, which may change over time. 

On a weekly basis, the paralegal spends up to 22 hours/week responding to requests for legal help from victims of interpersonal violence who are primarily referred through a special referral system with advocacy agency partners. The paralegal will also support our general intake system, by  covering one 2.5-3 hour call center shift per week and conducting other intakes as time  permits from “walk ins,” courthouse pickups, online intakes, and through messages from people who speak languages other than English. Intake responsibilities include initial contact with a client within 1-2 days of receiving the referral, client interviews, eligibility screening, contemporaneous computerized data entry of clients in the case management system, and the provision of legal information and referrals when appropriate.

The paralegal is also responsible for working with colleagues to prioritize and appropriately document cases handled pursuant to specific funding sources.

Under attorney supervision, the paralegal will provide legal assistance to eligible clients, including client counseling and negotiations with opposing parties, and general litigation support (including work with clients to gather appropriate authorizations or records and service of subpoenas.)

In addition, the office paralegal provides support with various office duties. The paralegal works with central staff to help with maintenance of office revolving funds and client escrow accounts, ordering of office supplies, and coordinating other facilities issues such as handling mail, facilitating trash pickup, and other maintenance issues. Strong computer and technology skills and the ability to work in a browser-based environment are required.

GENERAL WORK EXPECTATIONS:

• Handle all legal work in accordance with Pine Tree’s written Standards of Practices and other relevant ethical and professional responsibilities;
• Comply with all Legal Services Corporation regulations and with other funder requirements as appropriate;
• Maintain accurate and contemporaneous timekeeping for all work activities;
• Address administrative responsibilities as a Pine Tree employee in a prompt and thorough manner (including payroll and reimbursement requests, as well as grant inquiries and other funder needs);
• Develop general familiarity with legal rights related to the intake in all areas of the law Pine Tree practices and utilize training opportunities that will strengthen individual performance and job skills on an ongoing basis;
• Ensure intake notes sufficiently describe the client’s legal need and services provided and otherwise comply with funder requirements;
• Open case files in a timely manner, promptly communicate with attorney to determine next steps, and initiate investigation through retainers, releases and records requests;
• Maintain files and follow up on records requests and investigation to ensure compliance with funder requirements for the work;
• Prepare files for closing in a timely manner and work with attorneys as needed to document level of service provided and all appropriate outcomes of legal representation;
• Actively participate and contribute to regular case meetings, and other office discussions;
• Communicate effectively with potential clients (including those with limited English or who face other communication barriers) and treat all clients and potential clients with respect;
• Maintain a professional demeanor with outside agencies and groups, opposing parties, opposing counsel and other participants in the civil justice system;
• Contribute to and maintain Pine Tree’s high standards for excellence, support colleagues in their work, and otherwise act in accordance with Pine Tree’s Statement of Core Values.

OTHER REQUREMENTS 

A valid driver's license and the ability to travel throughout Maine is required. Current appointment as a Maine Notary Public is preferred, but we will assist the right candidate to acquire this credential upon hire. Applicant must reside in, or be willing to relocate to, the state of Maine. This is a non-exempt position under the Fair Labor Standards Act. 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS 

The salary range for PTLA paralegals and other non-exempt staff is currently $53,915 - $75,915, depending on relevant experience.

In addition, PTLA offers 100% employer-paid health insurance for employees (mostly employer-paid premiums for dependents as well) with a generous HRA contribution, generous health insurance opt-out benefit, employer-paid dental insurance, employer-paid life and disability insurance, and an annual contribution to a 403(b) retirement plan. Other voluntary options include vision and expanded life insurance. Staff enjoy 12 paid holidays, paid parental leave, generous vacation, floating holidays, and sick leave.

Pine Tree Legal Assistance is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to employing and supporting individuals who are passionate about social justice and have relevant work experience, regardless of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, physical or mental disability, religion, familial status or experience with poverty, receipt of public assistance, or homelessness.