Paralegal (Medical-Legal Partnership)

Organization Overview:

For over 35 years, the Legal Clinic for the Disabled (LCD) has worked to empower low-income people with disabilities and the deaf and hard of hearing in the Philadelphia region by providing free legal representation to overcome legal obstacles that would otherwise affect clients' independence, health, or quality of life. LCD is headquartered in Center City, and our practice areas include family, housing, planning documents, public benefits, and social security law. Through LCD's Medical-Legal Partnership Initiative, staff work directly with medical partners at multiple sites across Philadelphia. Through our Housing Initiative, LCD actively participates in the Philadelphia Eviction Prevention Project. Additionally, we conduct general telephone intake and hold Community Legal Outreach Clinics. Last year alone, LCD served over 1,700 clients and more than 2,000 additional household members, furthering our mission to foster inclusion, independence, and justice for all.

Position Overview:

The Paralegal works primarily with LCD’s MLP Initiative and reports to the Supervising Attorney within the MLP and General Intake Initiatives. Under the supervision of the attorneys, the Paralegal performs a wide range of administrative tasks related to both substantive and procedural legal issues. The Paralegal works closely with the attorneys and LCD clients. In addition to providing ongoing support with case management, the Paralegal directly assists with LCD’s pro bono and outreach programs.

Detailed Responsibilities:

Client and case work:

• Conduct initial client interviews, screen for eligibility for LCD services, and gather detailed factual investigation
• Assist attorneys with client follow-up, evidence gathering, trial preparation, and general case progression as needed
• Perform legal research and writing
• Draft correspondence and other documents, including client correspondence and court pleadings
• Refer clients to appropriate resources
• Under attorney supervision, represent clients in meetings and administrative hearings, including but not limited to the Fair Housing Commission, County Assistance Office, and Social Security Administration
• Work with the Legal Director to refer pro bono cases, ensure receipt of paperwork from volunteer attorneys, and track the cases to ensure their progression; work with healthcare providers to obtain expert reports
• Become and remain well-informed regarding basic legal principles applicable to LCD’s areas of practice, and attend training conferences

Administrative:

• In coordination with support staff and the MLP Supervising Attorney, manage and organize client information, files, volunteer attorney and pro bono information, and other data
• Perform other administrative tasks as needed

Community engagement and outreach:

• Assist with Community Legal Outreach Clinics (CLOCs) with standing partner agencies as well as various additional community events
• Research potential new community partnerships for outreach events, including “know your rights” clinics for LCD’s target client population
• Assist with maintaining a detailed record of and cultivating LCD’s outreach and pro bono programs
• Attend bar association and legal services committee meetings as requested by the MLP Supervising Attorney

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education and experience
• Demonstrated commitment to underserved populations and/or nonprofit experience
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated ability to simultaneously prioritize, track, and complete multiple tasks
• Demonstrated skill in client interviewing, writing, and verbal communication
• High degree of accuracy and attention to detail
• Demonstrated trustworthiness and professional judgment
• Demonstrated ability to interact compassionately and professionally with people experiencing trauma and stress
• Fluency in writing and speaking Spanish is preferred but not required

Working Conditions and Demands:

The MLP Paralegal will work from LCD’s main office as well as one or more of our medical-legal partnership sites in Philadelphia. In addition, the job requires assisting staff attorneys at various community outreaches and at home visits.

This position is part of a bargaining unit of employees represented by UAW.

Legal Clinic for the Disabled (LCD) is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. LCD does not discriminate in the selection of employees on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, sexual identity, genetics, age, national origin, disability, or veteran status. In addition to federal law requirements, LCD complies with all applicable state and local laws, governing nondiscrimination in employment.