Paralegal (Medical-Legal Partnership)

Organization Overview:

For over 35 years, LCD has provided free, direct legal services to individuals living with a disability or chronic illness. Headquartered in Center City, LCD staff work directly with medical partners at multiple sites across the city through LCD’s Medical-Legal Partnership (MLP) Initiative. Focused on addressing health-harming legal needs, our practice areas include family, housing, planning documents, public benefits, and social security law. We also conduct Community Legal Outreach Clinics (CLOCs), healthcare provider trainings, and actively participate in the Philadelphia Eviction Prevention Project.

Position Overview:

The MLP Paralegal works primarily with LCD’s MLP Initiative and reports to the MLP Supervising Attorney. Under the supervision of the attorneys, the MLP Paralegal performs a wide range of administrative tasks related to both substantive and procedural legal issues. The MLP Paralegal works closely with the attorneys and LCD clients. In addition to providing ongoing support with case management, the MLP 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
• 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 various community events
• Research potential new community partnerships for outreach events, including “know your rights” clinics for LCD’s target client population; maintain a detailed record of LCD’s outreach program
• 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.