Bilingual Bankruptcy Legal Assistant

Role Overview

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

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 a bankruptcy, debt relief, or financial services setting 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