Staff Paralegal Systematic Impact Law (Hybrid)

The Paralegal will work with the Systemic Impact Unit to develop and pursue impact litigation and advocacy across several different practice areas. This full-time non-exempt position reports to the Directing Attorney of Advocacy & Litigation and is based in the Santa Ana or Norwalk office.

Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with SIU and assist attorneys to identify, investigate, and pursue systemic impact litigation and non-litigation advocacy.
• Manage SIU’s administrative organization which includes file organization and maintenance; case and meeting notes; and calendaring of case and unit deadlines.
• Assist with grant reporting and tracking grant deliverables.
• Conduct legal work under the supervision of an attorney.
• Maintain detailed and accurate case notes and timekeeping in case management system (LegalServer).
• Assist attorneys with intake and initial client appointments.
• Prepare and maintain client files, electronic and/or physical.
• Interview clients. Effectively and efficiently communicate with clients, including accurately relaying legal advice provided by the attorney.
• Prepare legal forms, pleadings, memoranda, correspondence, and other legal documents.
• Conduct citation checking.
• Serve & file court documents.
• Assist attorneys with case investigation, witness interviews, and factual and legal research.
• Perform various clerical duties such as record-keeping, document copying, e-Filing, etc.
• Observe confidentiality of attorney-client relationship.
• Maintain calendar and deadline reminder systems as needed.
• 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.
• Work with and mentor paralegals and law students, interns, and volunteers.
• 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 supporting attorneys in litigation, civil procedure, and state and federal court systems – Preferred.
• Ability to travel in and around the service area for representation and to engage with clients and community partners - Required
• Bilingual proficiency - Preferred
• Strong technical skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams) and Zoom.
• Excellent analytical, communication, listening skills, and strong writing skills.
• Multi-tasker, ability to work well under pressure and on several activities at once.
• Self-motivated, ability to learn quickly, takes 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.
• Desire to learn as well as share knowledge with other team members.
• 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.
• Ability to model CLA SoCal’s values (compassion, collaboration, trust, accountability, and equity) in the performance of job duties.

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 Community Legal Aid and Our Commitment to Justice, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion

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 provide compassionate, high-quality legal aid. CLA SoCal is an Equal Opportunity employer who seeks to fill all positions with people who share our values, including our organizational commitment to diversity. We 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