Paralegal

Purpose. Dignity. Action.

Paralegal Position

Purpose. Dignity. Action. (PDA) is looking for a paralegal to assist the legal team. The legal team at PDA provides legal services to individuals who have been diverted away from criminal system involvement to LEAD (Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion/Let Everyone Advance with Dignity) services in a wide variety of legal practice areas. PDA seeks a paralegal motivated to help those most frequently harmed by existing criminal legal and social service systems, including those with disabilities, people of color, those living unsheltered, and survivors of past incarceration.

PDA advocates for criminal legal system reform and develops alternatives that shift from a punishment paradigm to a system that supports individual and community health. Grounding reform in a public health and safety framework, PDA develops new strategies and implements models that improves upon conventional responses to crime and public order issues. In collaboration with community and government partners, PDA uses policy advocacy, organizing, litigation, and public education to achieve its goals. PDA is comprised of several projects: Seattle King County LEAD project management, CoLEAD temporary lodging/outreach/housing advocacy, LEAD Support Bureau (international, national and Washington State technical support for LEAD replication), and VOCAL-WA.

The paralegal hired will work under the direction of the attorney assigned to the case but will generally be supervised by a Senior Paralegal.

Responsibilities revolve around supporting all aspects of litigation. Responsibilities include but are not limited to

• Providing paralegal support for a wide range of federal, state, and administrative litigation, including appeals and amicus briefs;
• Assisting in case management, including maintenance of electronic files, physical files, court records, and litigation calendars; anticipating and identifying potential litigation tasks and preparing accordingly;
• Formatting, preparing and proofreading correspondence, legal pleadings, briefs, memoranda, declarations, routine filings, and other documents independently and consistent with attorney instructions;
• Assisting in proper formatting of citations in legal filings;
• Filing documents with courts and ensuring proper service to all parties is conducted. This will involve research into the jurisdictional rules and processes with respect to filing and service;
• Assisting with the discovery process, including scheduling depositions, assisting with discovery requests and responses, organizing discovery, and preparing /filing pleadings and privilege logs;
• Assisting with management of the legal services intake process, including support with intake review, conflicts check searches, and data entry in legal services case management system;  
• Communicating with clients and other parties, as necessary, whether in-person, through email, or via phone/Zoom, to assess legal needs, conduct intakes, and otherwise gather information to assist in representation;
• Coordinating with clients and their other community supports to collect case documents, such as medical records, that will be utilized in legal representation;      
• Independently researching and analyzing legal sources such as statutes, recorded judicial decisions, legal articles, treaties, constitutions, and legal codes to prepare legal documents, such as briefs, pleadings, appeals for review, approval, and use by attorneys;
• Preparing for and attending trial (organizing evidence and preparing exhibits);
• Obtaining court records information through online court portals, including the Judicial Access Browser System (JABS);  
• Filing public disclosure requests for documents related to legal representation;      
• Managing client case files (creating, organizing, tracking and maintaining files, and determining and calendaring deadlines);          
• Conducting factual research;      
• Assisting with special projects and other clerical duties related to litigation and policy advocacy work within the organization;
• Administrative support; and
• Other duties as assigned.

Five to seven years prior experience as a litigation paralegal or legal assistant preferred. A Certificate in Paralegal Studies is preferred, but those with relevant work experience are encouraged to apply.

• Knowledge and commitment to learning court filing protocols; legal terminology; legal forms, documents, and citation; and federal, state, and appellate court rules.
• Excellent writing and proofreading skills.
• Demonstrated intermediate to advanced computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, G-Suite email system, and Adobe Acrobat Pro, ability to conduct internet research, and ability to learn and master new software applications.   
• Experience working in a paperless office environment.  Prior experience in the organization of case files and documents in a cloud setting and ensuring compliance with an office’s organizational methodology to ensure accuracy in the maintenance of records.
• Experience working with clients with mental illness, substance use disorder, and other disabilities is highly preferred. The applicant should demonstrate an understanding and empathy with the stresses experienced by clients who are impacted by poverty, mental illness, unstable housing, substance use disorder, domestic strife, and other barriers. The ideal candidate will be skilled in helping these clients engage in their own representation through the principles of harm-reduction—meeting clients where they are, in a way that is responsive to their specific needs.
• Demonstrated cultural competence and sensitivity in working with diverse clients, communities, and colleagues.
• Desire to work collaboratively with the ability to work independently.
• Strong drive and initiative with the ability to manage time well in an environment of many concurrent assignments and deadlines.
• A willingness and desire to jump in and help on any project, to learn new skills, and to take ownership of assignments.
• Accurate and detail-oriented, with the ability to give and receive feedback effectively.

PDA’s office is located at 110 Prefontaine Pl. S., Seattle, WA. Although the office remains open for necessary in-person work, staff currently work largely remotely . In-person work will be required if necessary to provide legal services. Travel within Washington may be required. In the future, PDA may adopt a hybrid model, where staff will work from home and from the office, as needed.

Salary range is $72,155 to $91,457, depending on comparable experience. Within the position salary range, salary increases 3% annually to the top of the scale (ten steps). An additional annual cost of living increase is provided at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Benefits presently include:

• 401k match of up to 4% of salary, beginning after six months of employment;
• Annual, 2% of salary, profit sharing contribution to 401k, provided in most years;
• Generous medical and dental benefits for employees and family members;
• 15 days vacation, accrued annually, increasing to 24 days vacation, accrued annually;
• 12 personal/sick days, accrued annually;
• Unlimited ORCA card; and
• Monthly $50 employer cell phone contribution, or office cell phone.

This is a Fair Labor Standards Act non-exempt, at-will position; continuation in the position depends on both performance and funding.

PDA is committed to a policy of equal opportunity and fosters an environment free of barriers and discriminatory practices. PDA actively promotes mutual respect, acceptance, teamwork and productivity. PDA is committed to maintaining an organization whose staff, Board and clients are diverse in background, experience, race, color, national origin, gender, age, religious affiliation, marital status, sexual identity, sensory, mental or physical abilities, veteran status, and other qualities that strengthen the program while reinforcing its commitment to basic fairness. People of color, those directly impacted by the criminal justice system, people who identify as queer, trans, lesbian, gay, or bisexual, and those with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals needing a reasonable accommodation for the application or interview process should contact Tammy Fales at Tammy.Fales@wearepda.org.

The position will remain open until filled. Please apply through PDA’s application portals. Applications should include the following:

• Cover letter - should include a description of any experience, personal or professional, with low-income or other marginalized communities.
• Resume.
• Names and contact information for three references.

All application materials must be submitted through the portal. Look for the prompt, “Make your application stronger by uploading documents…” Applications will not be considered until they are complete.