Job description

About us

The Law Office of Leslie J. Boykin, P.C. is a small business providing legal services to Central Texas area residents. We are professional, fast-paced, customer-centric and our goal is to stand up for our clients' rights by holding the Government to its burden; protecting our clients from overreaching and excessive judicial action.

Our work environment includes:

• Modern office setting
• Work-from-home days

Full Job Description:

We are seeking a criminal defense paralegal who is capable of assisting the attorney/firm owner with criminal defense cases in state and federal court and with administrative proceedings in various venues. The ideal candidate must have experience in the criminal defense process, including: trial preparation and support, e- filing, hearing support, interacting with clients and court personnel, filing, scheduling, and managing case deadlines. Attention to detail is a must. A high level of writing proficiency is also required as the job will entail proofreading and editing. Serious applicants should submit a resume and references.

Benefits:

• Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience and will be determined based on the qualifications and current salary of the selected candidate.
• United Healthcare policy coverage.

Responsibilities Overview

Daily Tasks:

• Answer phones in the office as well as remotely, on your own cell phone.
• Answer questions by checking client files in MyCase and Google calendar; if unable to answer take a message and tell them you will return the call with the correct information they need. If client insists on talking to the attorney, then take a number and tell him/her she will call them back.
• Keep the attorney’s calendar up to date, including court dates. Be familiar with Travis County guidelines and become familiar with other county protocols as each county has its own rules.
• Read incoming client emails, return emails to the best of your ability (checking client file notes). If you are unable to give a satisfactory answer, send a courtesy reply letting them know the message or attachments are received and that the attorney will get back in touch with them.
• Send attorney a text message indicating which email needs to be replied to by her, and why you can’t answer it yourself. Text attorney with urgent messages and needs. Remember that when the attorney is in court, she might not be able to respond right away, so if it is very urgent, please call her on her cell.

Weekly Tasks:

• Email with reminders for clients to appear in court who are set the following week – these are to be sent after the reset, preferably by email or if they don’t use email, call the client and document the process. Inmate/In-Custody client should be sent written notices by regular mail, unless a more efficient method is developed.
• Meet with attorney on designated day and time each week to go over current items that need to be worked on. Meet at a minimum of one designated day a week.
• Opening Cases – As the firm is hired you will need to take the payment, send the client the receipt, draft and send the Fee Agreement letter (according to payment plan terms set out by the attorney), scan copies of client’s documents that they provide, and make sure the first court date and any other deadlines (ALR) are calendared, if they are known.
• Closing Cases – Make sure balance is paid in full; file emails in appropriate folder; make sure all emails are out of the Inbox; itemize or simply submit for vouchers for court appointed cases; send client “thank you” letter, asking for testimonial and/or online referral; and mention expunction or non-disclosure, if applicable.  Prepare correspondence for clients and counsel – also be prepared to take dictation from the attorney when she’s on-the-go, for any emails she might need you to send out.
• Managing cases - Have a thorough understanding of MyCase – make sure to be familiar with its operation by watching the online video tutorials which are available; send client invoices at least monthly; make sure that when opening a client file in MyCase that all identifiers are completed correctly and labeled clearly (dad’s phone, etc). If they are not complete, you will need to follow up later and add all pertinent information, as well as making sure the profile is updated as soon as information is received. Within MyCase you will need to keep the Task List updated with new items, such as to-dos, and other case related tasks, and then be sure to mark them completed as tasks are done. MyCase information should reflect the current status at all times.
• Drafting pleadings and e-filing – After drafting pleadings, always make sure to proofread your work and then let the attorney know that it is ready for her to review; and after her review, edit as necessary and then e-file with the clerk’s office.
• Handling of receipts – organize all business expense paper receipts, invoices, and statements and scan those items into appropriate folder.
• Discovery – Save police reports, videos, audio/video/paper information related to each case – save as individual files and make sure to rename each one with a short descriptor as to what is contained in the file (i.e. Will Chambers - Police Report) – do not leave the numerical description of the file when saving, as it does not reflect what’s in the file. Each item needs to be clearly labeled to enhance ease of searching for documents in the case. Use the same labels for similar documents (i.e., Offense Report, CAD, 911 call, DMAV, BC, etc.).

Monthly or as needed Tasks:

• Check aging reports from QuickBooks – meet with attorney to discuss collections.
• Trial procedures overview: Audit cases set for trial – it’s important to know which are set and which are likely to go forward. Be aware of the status of which cases will go forward as those are the ones that should be worked on first. Make sure all necessary subpoenas have been served (you will need to meet with the attorney to discuss this.) Get return of service for proof and save in file.
• For trials or contested hearings – make list of witnesses who might need to be subpoenaed.
• Trial notebooks – prepare an original with dividers and fill with printed copies of all materials -make sure we have 3 copies of each Exhibit and that they are in order of use at trial (ask attorney for order).
• Contact witnesses to make sure they know the date and time of their appearance.
• On day of trial, make sure you have the trial cart loaded, the easel, Burden of Proof chart and small heater ready to go to the courthouse.

Skills Required:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite and Adobe
• Prefer experience with DocuSign, e-filing and MyCase
• Advanced understanding of clerical procedures and systems
• Excellent verbal and written skills
• Excellent phone and courtesy skills
• Excellent organizational skills
• Critical thinking in fast paced situations needed
• Attention to detail and follow up skills mandatory
• Prior legal experience preferred
• At least 5 years office experience required

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Free parking
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Work from home

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Travel requirement:

• No travel

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Austin, TX 78701: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Experience:

• Office management: 1 year (Preferred)
• Executive or Office Assistant: 2 years (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Certified Notary Public Commission (Preferred)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Austin, TX 78701

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