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Intake Paralegal Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Illinois Prison Project

Intake Paralegal

Chicago, IL

IPP is hiring a full-time Intake Paralegal. Candidates should be available to begin full-time work no later than July 27, 2026. Candidates should be passionate about decarcerative work, attentive to ...

Thompson Law

Bilingual Intake Specialist

Dallas, TX

$17.75 - $23.50/hr

Intake Paralegal Opportunity At Thompson Law Thompson Law's vision is to be the law firm of choice for those seeking justice after preventable incidents, while providing world-class service and ...

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Intake Paralegal information

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How much do intake paralegal jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for intake paralegal in the United States is $59,731.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,000.00 and $68,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are intake paralegals?

Intake paralegals are legal professionals who serve as the initial point of contact between a law firm and potential clients. They gather essential information about new cases, interview prospective clients, and assess whether the firm can assist them. Intake paralegals help attorneys determine the validity and scope of a case by collecting documents, organizing data, and ensuring that all necessary information is available for further review. Their work plays a crucial role in streamlining the case evaluation process and maintaining client communication.

What is the difference between Intake Paralegal vs Legal Assistant?

AspectIntake ParalegalLegal Assistant
CredentialsParalegal certification often preferredHigh school diploma or associate degree, legal secretary training
Work EnvironmentInitial client interviews, case intake, data collectionDocument preparation, filing, client communication
Employer & Industry UsageLaw firms, legal departments, client intake rolesLaw firms, corporate legal departments, administrative support
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding role differences, job requirementsClarifying job duties, career path options

Intake Paralegals focus on client interviews and case intake, often requiring paralegal certification, while Legal Assistants handle document preparation and administrative tasks. Both roles support legal teams but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Intake Paralegal, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Intake Paralegal, you need a solid understanding of legal terminology, case intake procedures, and attention to detail, typically supported by a paralegal certificate or relevant legal experience. Familiarity with case management software, document management systems, and proficiency in Microsoft Office are commonly required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, active listening, and the ability to manage sensitive information with discretion help set top intake paralegals apart. These skills are vital for accurately evaluating potential cases and ensuring efficient, compliant processing of client information.

What are the typical challenges faced by an Intake Paralegal when assessing new client cases?

Intake Paralegals often encounter challenges such as gathering complete and accurate information from potential clients, managing high volumes of inquiries, and quickly identifying cases that meet the firm’s criteria. They must balance empathy with efficiency while asking sensitive questions and ensuring confidentiality. Additionally, Intake Paralegals work closely with attorneys and other staff to ensure all necessary documentation is obtained promptly, which requires strong organizational and communication skills.

What is the highest paid type of paralegal?

Specialized paralegals, such as corporate, intellectual property, or litigation paralegals with advanced skills and certifications, tend to earn the highest salaries. Paralegals working in large law firms or in high-demand practice areas often have higher pay compared to generalist roles. Experience, education, and the complexity of the legal work also influence compensation levels.

Can paralegals make $100,000?

While most paralegals earn between $45,000 and $75,000 annually, some experienced or specialized paralegals, especially in high-cost areas or with advanced certifications, can earn $100,000 or more. Achieving this salary often requires extensive experience, specialized skills, or working in senior or managerial roles within law firms or corporate legal departments.

What is an intake paralegal?

An intake paralegal is a legal professional responsible for gathering initial client information, screening cases, and preparing documentation for attorneys. They often communicate with clients, organize case files, and use legal software to support case management. This role requires strong communication skills and knowledge of legal procedures.

Will AI replace paralegals?

AI technology can automate routine tasks performed by intake paralegals, such as data entry and document review, increasing efficiency. However, paralegals provide critical support through client communication, legal research, and case management that require human judgment and interpersonal skills, making complete replacement unlikely in the near future.
More about Intake Paralegal jobs
What cities are hiring for Intake Paralegal jobs? Cities with the most Intake Paralegal job openings:
What states have the most Intake Paralegal jobs? States with the most job openings for Intake Paralegal jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Intake Paralegal jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Intake Paralegal jobs are:
Intake Paralegal jobs near you
Infographic showing various Intake Paralegal job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% As Needed, 39% Full Time, 49% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 10% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,731 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

Intake Paralegal

Illinois Prison Project

Chicago, IL

Other

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

The Illinois Prison Project (IPP) is a nonprofit organization in Chicago that seeks to reduce mass incarceration by providing legal services to individuals incarcerated in the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC). IPP focuses on novel and creative approaches to prison reduction and engages in public education, advocacy, and direct legal representation. IPP’s mechanisms for release include clemency, parole, youthful parole, medical release, resentencing, administrative relief, and post-conviction filings. IPP is hiring a full-time Intake Paralegal. Candidates should be available to begin full-time work no later than July 27, 2026.

Candidates should be passionate about decarcerative work, attentive to detail, skilled at locating and managing voluminous legal documents, and possess excellent professional communication skills.

Under the direct supervision of the Paralegal Supervisor, the Intake Paralegal will work with the Intake Specialist to process all requests for legal assistance made to the Illinois Prison Project. IPP requires all team members to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Proof of vaccination will be required.

Responsibilities:

  • Assist the Intake Specialist with the management of screening lists and processes, including backlog cases
  • Open and scan all non-client letters, some client letters, and enter them into the case management software
  • Process intake emails and phone calls
  • Promptly mail back non-client documents (originals and copies) upon approval from the Intake Specialist
  • Promptly respond to non-client letters with approval from the direct supervisor and/or the Intake Specialist for matters regarding intake
    • Determine if the request requires a referral, and make an appropriate referral if so, and upon approval from the Intake Specialist or direct supervisor
    • Determine if the request requires a toolkit or other legal resource, and send the appropriate resource if so
    • Track all correspondence in case management software
  • Assist the Intake Specialist in gathering screening information
    • Screening information should be entered in the case management software
    • Gathering screening information requires navigating county databases such as the Cook County Portal and Judici, requesting and retrieving court documents from county clerk offices, and may require retrieving other case-related documents, including medical records, mental health records, and IDOC records
    • Send FOIAs and conduct other investigative tasks
    • Send out questionnaires to potential clients
    • Schedule legal calls
  • Upon case acceptance, ensure that a physical file is created and that received documents are returned upon the attorney's request
  • Upon acceptance, mail and track the receipt of all intake documents (packet including retainer, waiver, etc.)

Desired Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree or have had an equally effective and relevant alternative educational or professional experience
  • At least two years of experience as a paralegal or legal assistant
  • A deep commitment to criminal legal change in Illinois and social, economic, gender, and racial justice
  • Ability to independently manage voluminous case files
  • Excellent personal and professional communication skills
  • The ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Located near Chicago and able to travel throughout Cook County and the State for document collection
  • Proficiency using Google Suite, Microsoft, Excel, and prior experience with Filevine (or other legal case management software) and Telzio is a plus

Location: IPP maintains a hybrid work environment, including working remotely and out of IPP’s office at 53 West Jackson Blvd in Chicago, Illinois. For this role, in-person days are required, and regular travel throughout the state will be required. Hiring preference is given to local candidates or candidates who plan to relocate locally.

Reports to: Paralegal Supervisor

Illinois Prison Project is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, pregnancy, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Illinois Prison Project believes that diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical to our success as an organization, and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool.

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