Position Summary:

The Legal Assistant — Bankruptcy Practice provides direct administrative and procedural support to the Firm's Bankruptcy Paralegal and supervising attorneys in connection with consumer and small-business bankruptcy matters filed under Chapters 7 and 13 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. The Legal Assistant performs a variety of clerical, organizational, and case-management functions that allow the Bankruptcy Paralegal to focus on substantive legal work and client service.

This is a non-attorney position. The Legal Assistant may not provide legal advice, represent clients, or perform functions reserved to licensed attorneys or certified paralegals under Maryland law and applicable ethics rules.

Schedule:

• Mondays to Fridays, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm (US Eastern Time), includes a 30-minute unpaid break (40 hours per week)

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

A. Case Intake & File Management

• Receive and process new bankruptcy client intake packets; organize and upload documents into the Firm's case management system (Clio).
• Open and maintain physical and electronic case files; label, organize, and chronologically arrange all case documents.
• Collect, scan, and index client-provided financial documents, including pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, and creditor correspondence.
• Maintain current client contact information and case status notes in Clio.
• Prepare and distribute the Clio for Clients portal link and onboarding instructions to new bankruptcy clients.
• Track and calendar case deadlines, meeting of creditors (341 meeting) dates, plan confirmation hearings, and trustee deadlines under the direction of the Bankruptcy Paralegal.

B. Document Preparation & Processing

• Assist the Bankruptcy Paralegal in assembling petitions, schedules, statements of financial affairs, and Chapter 13 plan documents under the Paralegal's supervision.
• Perform data entry of client financial information into bankruptcy petition software (e.g., Best Case) as directed.
• Prepare and format routine correspondence, notices, and transmittal letters for attorney and paralegal review and signature.
• Prepare and file Certificates of Credit Counseling and Debtor Education completion; track compliance deadlines.
• Assemble closing packages, discharge binders, and confirmation order copies for client delivery.
• Prepare mailings and service copies to trustees, creditors, and other parties as directed.

C. Court & Trustee Liaison

• Monitor the PACER/CM-ECF docket for case activity and circulate new filings and orders to the Bankruptcy Paralegal and attorneys on a timely basis.
• Assist in e-filing documents in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Maryland under attorney supervision (with appropriate PACER credentials).
• Communicate with the Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Trustee offices as directed to confirm hearing dates, document submissions, and administrative requests.
• Prepare proof of service documents and filing checklists for each submission.

D. Client Communication & Support

• Serve as a point of contact for bankruptcy clients on routine administrative matters (e.g., appointment scheduling, document collection, portal access); escalate substantive inquiries to the Paralegal or attorney.
• Conduct courtesy reminder calls and emails to clients prior to 341 meetings and confirmation hearings.
• Assist clients in understanding required documentation and completing firm intake forms; not to provide legal advice.
• Maintain professionalism and confidentiality in all client interactions consistent with the Firm's client service standards and MRPC 1.6.

E. Administrative & Office Support

• Maintain the Firm's bankruptcy creditor matrix lists and mailing label databases.
• Order and maintain an adequate supply of bankruptcy forms, office supplies, and postage for the bankruptcy practice group.
• Assist with billing support tasks, including tracking time entries and preparing draft invoices for attorney review in Clio.
• Coordinate with the Firm's intake coordinator (Ruth) on scheduling consultations and new client appointments.
• Perform general office duties, including copying, scanning, faxing, and mail distribution as needed.
• Complete other tasks as assigned by the Bankruptcy Paralegal, attorneys, or Managing Partner.

Minimum Qualifications:

Responding to the screening questions is required

Education

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate's degree, paralegal certificate, or coursework in business administration, legal studies, or a related field strongly preferred.

Experience

• Minimum one (1) year of experience in a law firm, legal services organization, or professional office environment.
• Prior experience in bankruptcy or debt relief is required

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and Adobe Acrobat.
• Ability to learn and operate case management software (Clio) and bankruptcy petition software (Best Case or similar).
• Demonstrated ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in data entry and document preparation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; professional telephone and email demeanor.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion and in compliance with firm confidentiality policies.
• Reliability, punctuality, and a client-centered attitude.
• Familiarity with PACER/CM-ECF a plus.

Independent Contractor Perks:

• Permanent work from home
• Immediate hiring
• Health insurance coverage for eligible locations

Note:

• Please click the Apply button to complete your application, including the assessment questions, technical check, and voice recording. Your hourly pay rate will be established based on your performance in the application process; submissions with all requirements fulfilled will receive priority review.