Staff Paralegal Family Law - Hybrid

Description

The Family Law Unit Staff Paralegal will work as a member of the Family Law Unit to assist low-income clients in family law cases. This is a non-exempt, hourly position.

Responsibilities

• Assist in all aspects of family law cases including dissolution of marriage, paternity cases, requests for domestic violence restraining orders, requests for orders, ex parte requests, responses, declarations, trial briefs, motions, discovery, and other related pleadings.
• Maintain caseload of pro pre family law cases, under attorney supervision.
• Maintain contact with client, opposing party, and opposing counsel.
• Dependent on grant, assist with grant reporting and tracking grant deliverables.
• 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. 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. Assist with citation checking. Assist attorneys with discovery process including propounding and responding to discovery requests.
• 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.
• 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 paralegal and law students, interns, and volunteers.
• Follow all organizational and grant compliance policies and procedures
• 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

• Knowledge in family law with an emphasis on domestic violence cases – Preferred.
• Experience with form preparation from start to completion in the following: divorce, paternity cases, requests for domestic violence restraining orders, requests for orders, ex parte requests, responses, declarations, trial briefs, motions and other related pleadings – Preferred.
• Knowledge of legal software programs used to prepare California Judicial Council Forms - Preferred.
• Completion of California 40-Hour Domestic Violence Training

General Qualifications

• 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
• Strong technical skills; including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams).
• Excellent analytical, communication, and listening skills.
• Strong writing skills.
• Reliable team player and multitasker.
• 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 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.
• Bilingual proficiency – Required.

Holistic Benefits:

• May work as little as 35-hour workweek.
• A hybrid schedule may be available when the program is established.
• 16 paid holidays + PTO (including wellness days) starting Day 1
• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and long-term disability
• 401(k) with employer contribution
• Student loan reimbursement program
• Bilingual bonus pay for qualified staff

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.