Legal Secretary

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

POSITION:            Legal Secretary (Full-Time) Hybrid

CLOSING DATE: Position Immediately Available and Closed When Filled

LOCATION:          North and West, Texas 

Abilene, Amarillo, Brownwood, Dallas, Denton, Farmers Branch, Fort Worth, Lubbock, McKinney, Midland, Odessa, Plainview, San Angelo, Waxahachie, Weatherford, Wichita Falls, Texas

ABOUT: Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas (LANWT) is a non-profit public interest law firm that provides high-quality, free civil legal services to low‑income individuals and families in 114 counties across North and West Texas. Our mission is to ensure equal access to justice and improve the lives of low-income communities by providing high-quality legal representation, strategic litigation, valuable legal advice and meaningful collaborations, outreach, and community education.

JOB OVERVIEW: LANWT seeks dynamic, self‑motivated legal secretaries with vision, initiative, and a strong commitment to public interest law to join our team. We have multiple openings across various branch offices and practice areas throughout our North and West Texas service area. 

Candidates may be considered for more than one position and location. Candidates will be able to indicate preferred office location(s) and area(s) of interest during the application process.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The legal secretary provides administrative and legal support to multiple staff attorneys while contributing to a professional, collaborative, and client-centered work environment. The position requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining effective working relationships with clients, colleagues, courts, and community partners. 

Core responsibilities include:

• Prepare, proofread, edit, and format legal documents, pleadings, correspondence, reports, forms, and other materials with a high degree of accuracy.
• Accurately utilize Microsoft Office applications, databases, document management systems, and LANWT's electronic case management system.
• Maintain organized, up-to-date case files, calendars, timekeeping records, deadlines, case status information, intake schedules, phone logs, visitor logs, and other administrative records.
• File legal pleadings and related documents in person or through electronic filing systems while ensuring compliance with applicable court requirements and deadlines.
• Schedule hearings, meetings, client appointments, and other legal proceedings while coordinating with court staff, opposing parties, attorneys, interpreters, and clients.
• Conduct client interviews by phone and in person using trauma-informed, culturally responsive communication, recognizing signs of stress, crisis, or trauma and responding with patience, empathy, and respect while maintaining confidentiality.
• Answer phones, route calls, greet visitors, distribute mail, and perform general office duties such as filing, copying, scanning, and organizing documents.
• Provide back-up administrative support to other staff as needed, including during periods of increased workload, staff absences, or special projects.
• Translate or interpret for clients, as applicable.
• Assist attorneys with case management activities, including monitoring deadlines and identifying administrative issues requiring attention.
• Maintain a working knowledge of, and ensure compliance with, Legal Services Corporation (LSC) regulations, LANWT policies and procedures, and grant and funding requirements.
• Assist with office organization, process improvements, and implementation of administrative procedures that improve efficiency and consistency.
• Exercise sound judgment, diplomacy, and professionalism in all interactions and situations, including confidential and sensitive matters, difficult conversations, and changing priorities or urgent client needs, while promoting a respectful, collaborative workplace consistent with the organization's mission, vision, and values.
• Participate in staff meetings, training programs, and professional development opportunities.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the managing attorney, deputy director, or CEO.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent required.
• Prior law office, legal secretarial, or administrative support experience preferred.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities, manage competing deadlines, and maintain accuracy and attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate professionally, courteously, and effectively with clients, coworkers, attorneys, court personnel, and community partners from diverse backgrounds and circumstances.
• Demonstrated ability to build positive working relationships, collaborate effectively, remain calm under pressure, resolve conflicts appropriately, and contribute to a respectful, team-oriented workplace culture.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to recognize and appropriately respond to client distress or trauma and to de-escalate tense or emotional interactions with clients, coworkers, and the public.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and related computer applications, including the ability to learn and effectively use electronic case management systems, databases, and other office technology.
• Ability to understand, apply, and stay current on Legal Services Corporation (LSC) regulations, LANWT policies and procedures, and grant and funding compliance requirements.
• Ability to work independently while exercising sound judgment, discretion, initiative, and confidentiality.
• Strong work ethic, accountability, reliability, and professionalism.
• Commitment to providing high-quality client service and supporting the mission and values of the organization.
• Ability to travel occasionally and maintain reliable attendance.
• Spanish fluency (verbal and written) preferred.

This position requires regular use of a computer and standard office equipment, occasional lifting and moving of files or materials, and periodic travel to courts, community locations, and organizational meetings. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

SALARY: Current entry-level salary is $35,640 per year. The salary for the successful candidate may be significantly higher, based on candidate’s years of experience. The legal secretary is a non-exempt employee subject to state and federal wage and hour laws.

BENEFITS: Excellent benefits package that includes paid vacation and holidays; a retirement plan; health, dental, vision and life insurance.

Please submit a cover letter expressing interest, a resume, and three professional references during the application process.

LANWT is an Equal Opportunity Employer. LANWT does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

VETERANS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY