Paralegal Civil Litigation / Consumer Protection (Hybrid)

The Bilingual Spanish Consumer Defense Paralegal will work as a team member to serve low-income residents and seniors on civil litigation, focusing on consumer protection issues, including debt collection defense. This full-time, non-exempt position reports to the Supervising Attorney and is based in the Santa Ana office.

Responsibilities

• Maintain caseload of consumer defense-related matters, under attorney supervision.
• Work with attorney to prepare cases for trial.
• Participate in negotiation and settlement discussion with adverse parties and their legal representatives, under attorney supervision.
• Prepare for, facilitate, and provide interpretation for presentations at weekly workshops in Norwalk and Santa Ana.
• Prepare legal work under the supervision of an attorney.
• Maintain detailed and accurate case notes and timekeeping in case management system (LegalServer).
• Assist attorney with intake and initial client appointments.
• Prepare and maintain client files, electronic and/or physical.
• Interview clients and efficiently communicate with clients including accurately relaying legal advice provided by the attorney.
• Prepare legal forms, pleadings, memoranda, correspondence, and other legal documents. Assist with citation checking.
• Assist attorneys with case investigation, witness interviews, factual and legal research.
• Perform various clerical duties such as record-keeping, document copying, e-Filing, etc.
• 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.
• 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.

• 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.
• Knowledge of Civil Litigation and Consumer Defense- Preferred.
• Experience working in a high-volume environment - Preferred.
• Knowledge of legal software programs used to prepare California Judicial Council Forms - Preferred.
• Bilingual Spanish-speaking proficiency – Required.
• 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, listening, and writing skills.
• Ability to work well under pressure.
• 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 interact with a wide range of clients utilizing client-centered lawyering and trauma-informed frameworks.
• Commitment to CLA SoCal’s mission – Required.

Holistic Benefits

CLA SoCal provides employees with training, professional development and growth opportunities, competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and a collaborative team spirit. Our staff members work a 35-hour week with a flexible and hybrid work schedule. Some positions may work beyond a 35-hour week, including evening and weekend meetings and events, when caseload or other obligations necessitate. We offer an outstanding benefits package with rich medical/dental/vision/life insurance, long-term disability, and additional supplemental insurance. Our employees enjoy 16 paid holidays a year, vacation, personal time, and sick leave on their first day. Furthermore, we offer a competitive Law School Loan Reimbursement program, 401k with employer contribution, and a monetary bonus for eligible employees who can prove bilingual proficiency.

About CLA SoCal

Community Legal Aid SoCal (CLA SoCal) is a welcoming and hopeful non-profit organization dedicated to meeting the legal needs of low-income residents and seniors throughout Orange and Los Angeles Counties. We provide equal employment opportunities. We strongly encourage all interested individuals to apply, including people of different abilities, religions, identities, orientations, nationalities, and ethnicities. All individuals who are seeking a welcoming environment who celebrate and value the unique characteristics of every member of the team who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive at CLA SoCal to apply for this role.