The Legal Secretary provides support for the Legal Clinic by being the first point of contact with the Legal Clinic for clients and the public.  The Legal Secretary answers a multi-line phone system, assesses incoming client calls, including the immediacy of the client’s need, and directs the call as necessary to other Clinic staff, agency departments or outside referrals. The Legal Secretary conducts conflict checks for new clients, handles calendar management, handles mail organization and distribution, runs weekly reports on attorney and advocate intakes and court appearances, orders supplies for all legal offices,  and makes client referrals when appropriate. 

Primary Responsibilities:

•  Answer and manage multiple telephone lines, direct client calls and take messages for Clinic staff.
• Perform conflict checks, assess client needs and make referrals within the Clinic or to outside agencies as necessary.
• Organize and maintain office and record keeping files.
• Order and distribute office supplies for all Legal Clinic offices,
• Maintain Clinic referral guide for collateral legal issues not addressed by Legal Clinic, as well as intimate partner violence referrals for all counties in Maryland.
• Ensure that all legal clinic mail is taken to the local post office by 4:30 p.m. daily.
• Train and supervise interns and volunteers to perform office tasks and conflict checks.
• Maintain and update electronic shared calendar regarding intakes and upcoming protective and peace order proceedings.
• Generate weekly database reports regarding attorney and advocate intakes and court appearances.
• Meet work level goals as set by Clinic Director.
• Generate and maintain Clinic documents and files on the computer directory.
• Maintain staff correspondence files.
• Complete requirements of all grants, including written reports in a timely manner
• Provide front office coverage when necessary.
• Assist in fundraising efforts as needed.
• Perform community outreach and training as needed, including on weekend and evenings.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Clinic Director.
• Other duties as assigned.

Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.  

Experience/Requirements:

         High school diploma or GED.

• Experience with office equipment including multi-line phones.

• Computer literate (MS Word, internet, e-mail). 

• Ability to take initiative and to work with people of diverse backgrounds. 

• Ability to understand intimate partner violence and how it affects the client population. 

• Must have strong organizational and interpersonal skills, as well as reliable transportation.

• Must be able to handle very heavy call volumes for clients with a variety of needs. 

• Must be able to work with clients in crisis and assess and direct their calls as needed.

• Ability to handle multiple phone calls in a professional and pleasant manner.

• Excellent customer service skills.

• Ability to work with clients in crisis, ascertain the appropriate information and direct their calls as necessary.

• Strong typing and proofreading skills.

• Ability to use various office equipment.

• Strong time management and office maintenance skills.

• Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment.

• Ability to develop and maintain good relationships with individuals of diverse backgrounds including clients, House of Ruth staff, and members of the community.

• Ability to pass a criminal background check.