Legal Assistant / Paralegal – Child Advocacy Unit

Job Title: Legal Assistant / Paralegal – Child Advocacy Unit

Status: Full\-Time, Non\-Exempt

Reports To: Supervising Child Advocacy Attorney

Location: Northern Nevada Legal Aid (NNLA), Reno, Nevada

Why Join Our Team?

If you're passionate about helping children and ensuring their voices are heard, Northern Nevada Legal Aid offers a powerful opportunity to make real change. In our Child Advocacy Unit, you’ll manage a high volume of child advocacy legal matters from intake through case closure, assist attorneys with court preparation and hearings, and provide vital day\-to\-day support to ensure children’s best interests are represented in both the courtroom and the community.

This role offers meaningful, hands\-on experience in child welfare and family law while developing strong legal and client\-support skills in a collaborative environment. It requires strong interpersonal and organizational abilities, comfort working with sensitive family and child\-related issues, and a true commitment to NNLA’s mission of serving those who would otherwise struggle to access the legal system.

If you’re organized, compassionate, and ready to put purpose behind your work join us in our mission to protect children’s rights and expand access to justice for those who need it most.

Position Summary

The Legal Assistant / Paralegal – Child Advocacy Unit enhances attorney effectiveness by screening clients, developing and organizing case information, tracking cases, supporting case preparation, and maintaining consistent communication with children, caregivers, and community partners.

This position is responsible for managing a high volume of child advocacy legal matters from intake through case closure, assisting attorneys with court and hearing preparation, and providing day\-to\-day support that helps ensure children’s best interests are represented in court and in the community. It requires strong interpersonal and organizational skills, comfort working with sensitive family and child\-related issues, and a commitment to NNLA’s mission of serving those who would otherwise struggle to access the legal system.

Essential Job Functions

1\. Managing Child Advocacy Legal Matters

• Assist with the full lifecycle of cases in the Child Advocacy Unit, from intake screening and opening files to litigation support and case closure.
• Work closely with attorneys to gather, organize, and maintain case information related to children, caregivers, schools, child welfare agencies, service providers, and other stakeholders.
• Coordinate signatures, consents, and releases needed to move cases forward.

2\. Document and Case Management

• Draft, format, and prepare routine legal documents, including letters, pleadings, motions, notices, subpoenas, and other court forms under attorney supervision.

Organize and maintain all legal documents, including processing court filings (e\-filing and physical filing as needed), making copies, mailing, scanning, and general filing. (In\-office task)*

• Maintain accurate and up\-to\-date case notes and client records in the legal case management system.
• Enter time, case notes, and client updates into the system daily to ensure efficient case tracking and grant\-compliant data collection.

3\. Scheduling and Calendar Management

• Schedule and calendar appointments, client meetings, school meetings, multidisciplinary team meetings, and court hearings for Child Advocacy attorneys.

Track deadlines and hearing dates and ensure attorneys receive timely reminders and updated calendar information. (In\-office task)*

4\. Mail and Correspondence Management

Open, sort, and route incoming mail and faxes, ensuring all documents are promptly processed and filed into the correct case files. (In\-office task)*

• Prepare outgoing correspondence, including mailing, emailing, and faxing time\-sensitive documents.
• Communicate with clients, caregivers, and community partners regarding upcoming appointments, court dates, and document requirements.

5\. Client Communication and Coordination

• Serve as a point of contact for child clients (when appropriate), caregivers, and related professionals, helping to coordinate services, gather information, and relay updates.
• Conduct initial intake screenings and gather preliminary information under attorney supervision.
• Make referrals to other NNLA units or external community partners to ensure families and children receive needed support services.
• Handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and professionalism.

6\. Investigation and Case Development Support

• Help obtain and organize records such as school records, mental health records, medical records, CPS reports, and other relevant documents.
• Prepare case summaries, chronologies, and document indexes to assist attorneys with hearings, trials, and negotiations.
• Assist with trial preparation, including organizing exhibits, witness lists, and hearing notebooks.

7\. Case Closure and Record Keeping

Close client files at the conclusion of legal matters, ensuring accurate and complete case records are maintained in accordance with NNLA policies. (In\-office task)*

• Review files for completeness and data integrity before closure and assist with file storage and archiving procedures.

8\. Grant\-Reporting Data Collection

• Collect, update, and review client and case data regularly to assist with grant reporting and compliance for the Child Advocacy Unit.
• Ensure case management entries meet accuracy and timeliness standards required for funding and reporting.

9\. Administrative and Support Duties

• Provide general administrative support to the Child Advocacy Unit, including copying, scanning, answering phones, and assisting walk\-in clients as needed.
• Provide occasional translation and interpretation support if bilingual (e.g., English/Spanish).
• Participate in occasional outreach, presentations, or community events related to child welfare and children’s rights, as requested.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the unit and organization.

In\-Office Responsibilities The following tasks require regular in\-office presence:

* Opening/Sorting Mail: Ensuring that legal and court documents are received, routed, and processed promptly.

* Client File Management and Document Processing: Filing court documents, creating and organizing physical files, scanning, copying, and mailing documents.

* Client and Partner Communication: Coordinating with clients, caregivers, and community partners when in\-person interaction or access to physical files is necessary.

* Case Closing and Filing: Physical organization, archiving, and storage of files at the conclusion of cases.

Desired Qualities

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain legal processes and next steps in clear, plain language.
• Comfort working with children and families who may be experiencing crisis, trauma, or instability, while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
• Respectful and comfortable working with people from diverse cultural, linguistic, and socio\-economic backgrounds.
• A proactive, solutions\-focused mindset with the ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks in a fast\-paced environment.
• Exceptional organizational skills and strong attention to detail.
• Solid computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and comfort learning legal case management software.
• Ability to take initiative and work independently while being a reliable, collaborative member of a small team.
• Strong attendance, punctuality, and follow\-through.

Minimum Qualifications

• Prior experience as a legal assistant, paralegal, or similar role in a law office, court, or legal services setting is strongly preferred.
• Experience in family law, child welfare, juvenile court, or related civil practice is highly desirable.
• Paralegal certificate, degree, or equivalent experience preferred.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred but not required.
• Demonstrated interest in public interest, children’s rights, or non\-profit legal work is a plus.

Location:

The role is primarily on\-site at NNLA’s main office located at 401 Ryland Street, Suite \#100, Reno, NV 89502, with occasional travel to rural counties as required. A hybrid or telework schedule may be considered based on organizational needs.

How to Apply:

To apply, please email a cover letter and resume to: careers@nnlegalaid.org

Diversity Statement:

NNLA is an ADA/Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to empowering vulnerable individuals and communities through the expansion of access to legal justice in Northern Nevada. Individuals of diverse backgrounds are highly encouraged to apply. Please visit www.Careers@nnlegalaid.org for

Work Location: In person

Job Type: Full\-time

Pay: From $24\.00 per hour

Work Location: In person