Housing Paralegal

Location: Jonesboro, West Memphis, or Springdale, Arkansas Legal Aid of Arkansas is a public-interest, nonprofit law firm dedicated to assuring equal access to justice in civil matters for low-income Arkansans through legal representation, advocacy, community partnerships, education, and outreach. Legal Aid provides free civil legal services in priority matters affecting safety, housing, and family stability, including domestic abuse and related family-law issues.

This full-time Housing Paralegal position may be based in Legal Aid’s Jonesboro, West Memphis, or Springdale office.

Position Summary

The Housing Paralegal will assist attorneys in representing low-income clients in housing matters, including cases involving eviction, subsidized housing, habitability and repair issues, unlawful lockouts, related landlord-tenant matters, foreclosures, and real property issues. Secondarily, the position will be responsible for supporting some estate planning cases, including wills, powers of attorney, deed preparation, and probate. This position supports direct client service, including intake and interview, case preparation, document drafting, file management, and coordination with courts, housing authorities, social-service agencies, and community partners. The paralegal may also assist with outreach and community education related to housing stability, tenants’ rights, and prevention of homelessness.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

· Conduct client interviews and assist with intake, fact gathering, and case screening.

· Prepare client correspondence, pleadings, affidavits, motions, and other legal documents for attorney review.

· Maintain case records, calendars, deadlines, and case-management data.

· Assist attorneys in preparing for hearings and court proceedings.

· Communicate with clients regarding case status, required documents, and court settings.

· Help compile program-related data, case status information, and outcomes as required.

· Participate in outreach, legal clinics, and community education efforts.

· Perform other duties as assigned in support of Legal Aid’s mission.

Qualifications

· Associate degree, paralegal certificate, or equivalent education and relevant legal experience.

· Prior experience as a paralegal, legal assistant, or similar position preferred.

· Experience drafting court pleadings and client correspondence preferred.

· Ability to work effectively with clients experiencing crisis, trauma, and family instability.

· Proficiency in Microsoft 365 and database or case-management systems.

· Valid driver’s license, liability insurance, and access to reliable transportation preferred or required, depending on office needs.

Preferred Qualifications

· Experience working with survivors of domestic violence.

· Familiarity with Arkansas domestic-relations practice and protective-order proceedings.

· Bilingual skills are a plus.

· Demonstrated commitment to public-interest work and access to justice.

Salary and Application Instructions

Competitive salary of $44,000 plus, based on qualifications and experience plus an excellent benefits package. Open until filled. Apply as soon as possible.

Interested applicants should apply by email to Elizabeth King, Human Resources, at eking@arlegalaid.org Please submit:

· Cover letter or letter of interest

· Resume

· Three professional references

Equal Opportunity Employer

Legal Aid of Arkansas is an Equal Opportunity Employer.