Job Type

Full-time
Description
We're a dynamic legal non-profit committed to fighting injustice and advocating for social, economic, and racial equity by providing compassionate, holistic, and impactful legal services. Join our team, and together we can work towards a world where equity and justice are not a goal, but a given!
The Intake and Assessment Paralegal will work as a member of the Intake and Assessment Unit to conduct intake and assessment of new clients via the CLA SoCal Hotline and outreach events. This full-time non-exempt position reports to the Associate Supervisor of Intake & Assessment.
Responsibilities

• Screen clients for eligibility and obtain demographic information.
• Complete client intakes over the telephone and enter the appropriate data into legal database.
• Determine and document legal problems and relay advice and counsel given by attorney to eligible clients over the phone.
• Conduct in-person intake at the office or off-site clinics or outreach events.
• Follow compliance policies and procedures for client intake.
• Prepare legal work under the supervision of an attorney such as legal forms, pleadings, memoranda, correspondence, and other legal documents. Assist with citation checking.
• Maintain detailed and accurate case notes and timekeeping in case management system (LegalServer).
• Prepare and maintain client files, electronic and/or physical.
• Assist attorneys with intake and initial client appointments.
• Interview clients. Effectively and efficiently communicate with clients including accurately relaying legal advice provided by the attorney.
• Assist attorneys with case investigation, witness interviews, factual and legal research.
• Perform various clerical duties such as record-keeping, document copying, e-Filing, etc.
• Observe confidentiality of attorney-client relationship.
• When qualified, engage in interpretation and translation for attorneys.
• Work with community groups, conduct outreach, and provide community education presentations and materials.
• Work with a multi-cultural perspective of inclusion and diversity.
• May be required to work at clinics and/or workshops located in local courts, CLA SoCal offices, or at partner agencies.
• Perform other duties as required to meet the needs of the organization.

Requirements

• Paralegal certificate, paralegal degree or
• Bachelor's degree and a minimum of one year of law-related experience under the supervision of an attorney who has been an active member of the State Bar of California for at least the preceding three years or who has practiced in the federal courts of this state for at least the preceding three years, and a written declaration from this attorney stating that the person is qualified to perform paralegal tasks.
• Experience working in a call center and utilizing a computer.
• Demonstrated knowledge of general CLA SoCal practice areas including Family Law, Public Benefits, Consumer and Housing - Preferred.
• Type 30 wpm.
• Ability to learn data entry techniques and use technology to communicate with our staff and/or clients.
• Ability to handle difficult and stressful client situations.
• Valid driver's license, reliable vehicle, active insurance policy or other ability to travel frequently in and around the service area for representation and to engage with clients and community partners - Required.
• Strong technical skills; including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams).
• Excellent analytical, communication, and listening skills.
• Strong writing skills.
• Ability to work well under pressure and on several activities at once.
• Self-motivated, ability to learn quickly, initiative to problem-solve.
• Capacity to meet strict deadlines.
• Great organizational skills with keen attention to detail.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment.
• Empathetic and energetic attitude while working with others.
• Ability to interact with a wide range of clients utilizing client-centered lawyering and trauma-informed frameworks.
• Proven interest in social justice issues.
• Bilingual English/Spanish - Required.

Holistic Benefits
In addition to a collaborative team spirit and learning culture, Community Legal Aid SoCal (CLA SoCal) offers a comprehensive and competitive salary and benefits package that includes group health and life insurance with optional employee buy-in, long-term disability, and various optional benefits such as pet insurance. We offer a flexible and hybrid work schedule. Our staff members can work as few as 35-hour week. Some positions may work beyond a 35-hour week, including evening and weekend events, when caseload or other obligations so necessitate. Employees enjoy a work-life balance with 16 paid holidays a year, paid vacation, sick, and personal/well-being leave. Employee Assistance Program, Law School Loan Reimbursement Program, flexible parental leave, and 401k with employer contribution are available. Employees who can prove bilingual proficiency are eligible for a monetary bonus. We constantly look for opportunities to enhance our programs, reward our teammates, and update our benefits offerings regularly.
About CLA SoCal
Community Legal Aid SoCal (CLA SoCal) is a diverse non-profit organization dedicated to meeting the legal needs of low-income residents and seniors throughout Orange and Los Angeles Counties. We focus on removing barriers to equitable access and providing compassionate, high-quality legal aid. CLA SoCal aims to fill all positions with people who share our values and reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. We provide equal employment opportunities and strongly encourage all interested individuals to apply, including people of different abilities, religions, identities, orientations, nationalities, and ethnicities.
Please note research suggests that individuals identifying as Black, Latinx, Asian, Pacific Islander, Indigenous, members of the LGBTQIA community, women, and people living with disabilities may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills to thrive at CLA SoCal to apply for this role.
Salary Description

$22.11 to $33.42 (DOE)