Legal Assistant - Court Project

Legal Assistant – Court Project (Bilingual English/Spanish)

Organization: Legal Aid Society of San Bernardino (LASSB)

Location: San Bernardino or Riverside County, California (courthouse-based)

Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Work Arrangement: In-Person Only (No remote or hybrid)

Language Requirement: Bilingual English/Spanish (Required)

Pay Range: $22.00–$23.00 per hour ($45,600–$47,840 annually), depending on experience/qualifications

LASSB seeks a bilingual (English/Spanish) Legal Assistant for a court-based legal services project serving self-represented litigants at a courthouse in either San Bernardino or Riverside County. This role provides intake, procedural information, assistance with court forms, and coordination with supervising attorneys. The position is public-facing and requires daily on-site attendance at the courthouse.

Fluency in English and Spanish (speaking, reading, and writing) is required and is a bona fide occupational qualification based on the essential functions of the job and the population served. The Legal Assistant must be able to conduct intakes, explain court procedures, and assist with documents for clients with limited English proficiency. Language proficiency may be assessed during the hiring process.

• Full-time, in-person position at a courthouse in San Bernardino or Riverside County
• Monday–Friday during standard courthouse business hours
• No remote or hybrid work available due to the nature of services provided

LASSB provides free civil legal services to low-income residents in San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. Our court-based projects bring legal help directly to community members, including many Spanish-speaking clients.

• Conduct intake interviews in English and Spanish
• Screen potential clients for eligibility based on program guidelines
• Assess client needs and determine appropriate services and referrals
• Provide procedural information and explain court processes in plain language
• Maintain a professional, respectful demeanor with diverse clients

• Assist clients with completing California Judicial Council forms and related documents
• Review filings for accuracy, completeness, and basic compliance with court requirements
• Prepare declarations, attachments, and document packets as needed
• Explain/translate document content between English and Spanish as appropriate
• Copy, scan, and organize documents for client use and recordkeeping

• Enter and maintain client/service information in a case management database
• Coordinate with supervising attorneys on complex issues and next steps
• Communicate attorney guidance to clients in Spanish when needed
• Schedule follow-ups and track outcomes/statistics for reporting

• Communicate effectively with court staff, attorneys, and partner organizations
• Answer inquiries and manage appointments/wait times in English and Spanish
• Maintain organized files and program materials at the courthouse location
• Assist with outreach or informational activities as assigned

• Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish (speaking, reading, writing)
• High school diploma or equivalent
• At least two (2) years of experience in a legal assistant or related legal support role
• Knowledge of legal terminology and court procedures
• Strong customer service skills and experience working with diverse communities
• Strong organization, attention to detail, and ability to handle a high-volume environment
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Ability to work in-person at a courthouse daily
• Valid California driver’s license and reliable transportation
• Ability to meet courthouse/security clearance requirements and any funding-related background screening requirements

• Associate’s degree or higher
• Experience in legal aid, courthouse self-help, or public interest settings
• Familiarity with California Judicial Council forms and filing procedures
• Experience with case management software
• Training or experience in trauma-informed practices

• Work is performed in a courthouse environment with frequent public interaction
• Combination of sitting, standing, and walking throughout the day
• Regular computer use and document handling
• Ability to lift/carry materials up to 25 pounds
• Reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities

Pay Range: $22.00–$23.00 per hour ($45,600–$47,840 annually)

Classification: Non-Exempt (eligible for overtime in accordance with applicable law)

• Medical insurance (employee coverage)
• Life insurance
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays

• Dental and vision insurance (employee-paid, employer-facilitated)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Professional development opportunities
• Mileage reimbursement for work-related travel (when applicable)

LASSB is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, subject to program rules.

LASSB is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of any characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

In accordance with the California Fair Chance Act and applicable local ordinances, LASSB will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

LASSB provides reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and California law. If you need an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact Human Resources.

This posting describes the general nature and level of work. LASSB may modify duties as needed to meet program requirements.