Description:
Administrative Assistant / Paralegal
Neighborhood Advocacy
(Full\-Time, Temporary Position: August 2026 \- January 2027\)
Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, Inc. (Legal Services), a non\-profit law firm providing free, quality civil legal services to people living with low income/low opportunity, is seeking a highly organized individual to temporarily fill one of three administrative assistant/paralegal positions in its Neighborhood Advocacy program located in its Old North St. Louis office. Neighborhood Advocacy serves St. Louis area residents and community\-based organizations to prevent and reduce vacancy and property abandonment. For more information on the program, visit: https://lsem.org/neighborhood\-advocacy/
Responsibilities
- First contact for Neighborhood Advocacy Hotline, conveys dignity and sensitivity to applicants for service while answering incoming call, responding to electronic applications, or working with walk\-in requests for assistance
- Respond to requests from prospective clients and conduct a screening to determine financial eligibility and other criteria for service
- Provide clients with information, support, and advocacy
- Provide clients and potential clients with community resources and referrals as needed
- Provide organizational support to the Neighborhood Advocacy team by:
- Assisting with file opening/closing and file management
- Utilizing the case management software, Legal Server
- Processing mail
- Paralegal duties include:
- Assisting with service of process
- Drafting legal pleadings and other documents
- Keeping cases organized by establishing files, monitoring calendars, meeting deadlines, updating case management systems, and confirming case status with staff and volunteer attorneys
- Assist in examining public records to develop cases, identify property owners and lienholders, and conduct research to identify and locate parties for service of process
- Travel to meet with clients and attend community meetings and events
- Remote work available up to two days a week
- Strong administrative skills
- Strong interpersonal and communication (oral and written) skills
- Confident, affable, and outgoing personality
- Self\-motivated, self\-starter
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Some college preferred
- Knowledgeable in Microsoft Office and able to quickly pick up and learn new technologies, such as our case management system
- Reliable transportation
- Notary, or willingness to become a notary
Requirements:
What we do
LSEM advances justice through legal representation, education, and supportive services. We partner with the community to improve lives, promote fairness, and create opportunities for those in need. Since 1956, LSEM has provided high\-quality civil legal assistance and equal access to justice for low\-income people in 21 counties in Missouri. We accomplish our mission through systemic advocacy/impact litigation and individual case work in a wide range of substantive civil areas which are in our priorities, e.g., family law for victims of domestic violence, prevention of homelessness/housing, health, public benefits, consumer, education, disability, community economic development, and immigration. As part of our community education/outreach efforts, LSEM works with over 150 agencies and participates in over 35 task forces/coalitions and has a vibrant Volunteer Lawyers Program.
Who we are
At Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, we embrace a culture that celebrates and promotes the many backgrounds, heritages, and perspectives of our colleagues and clients. We seek to hire individuals from a variety of backgrounds, who are professional, collaborative, and creative thinkers with a passion for our mission, and create an environment where everyone can thrive. We strongly encourage applications from all qualified individuals and will make employment decisions based on merit.
How to Apply
Upload your resume and cover letter through our online application. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.
Salary \& Benefits Information
The pay rate for this position starts at $19\.00/hour. The specific hourly rate offered to a candidate will be determined by years of relevant experience. This temporary position is not eligible for benefits.
Submission Deadline
Applications are due by Monday, May 4, 2026\.
Equal access to Legal Services of Eastern Missouri’s office is available. Those applicants requiring accommodation to the interview/application process should contact Human Resources at the e\-mail hr@lsem.org. Legal Services of Eastern Missouri is an equal opportunity employer.