Benefits - Paralegal

Paralegal 

 (Full-Time, Non-exempt Position) 

Inner City Law Center (ICLC) is a nonprofit law firm located in the Skid Row neighborhood of Los Angeles. We are looking for extraordinary people to help us end homelessness in Los Angeles. Founded on the fundamental principle that every person should always be treated with dignity and respect, ICLC fights for justice for low-income tenants, working-poor families, people who are disabled or experiencing homelessness, people living with HIV/AIDS, and homeless veterans. 

Position Description: Inner City Law Center seeks a full-time Paralegal or Senior Paralegal to assist our legal team focused on disability benefits. This project helps individuals with disabilities gain access to critical income-support benefits. This position involves providing paralegal support to attorneys conducting hearings on disability benefits applications for homeless individuals throughout Los Angeles County. The Paralegal will support attorneys with limited scope immigration and vital documentation procurement representation, including: scheduling and meeting with clients for intake and follow-ups, preparing client documents and files; scheduling and coordinating clients’ livescan and USCIS appointments; filing initial FOIA requests with USCIS; coordinating with local, state, and federal vital record agencies, and updating client case management and tracking systems. This is a unique opportunity to join an exciting project that will positively impact thousands of individuals’ lives in Los Angeles with a team of dedicated professionals. The position will focus on providing paralegal support to attorneys working to obtain access to SSI, SSDI and CAPI (Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants) benefits on behalf of clients.  

The Public Benefits Team Paralegal will work as part of a team and will provide paralegal support to attorneys including: client intake and communication; handling correspondence; requesting medical records; preparing and submitting records for hearings; contacting government agencies; formatting and editing documents; and scheduling appointments and meetings. The Paralegal may also perform other duties as needed. This is a hybrid position working both in office and remote.  

Responsibilities: 

Paralegals are responsible for providing key legal support to attorneys and working closely with our clients throughout our representation, including: 

• Interviewing clients and potential clients, conducting intakes, and supporting assessment of potential representation. 
• Being the point of contact for clients; collecting and reviewing evidence and other documents, including visiting clients in the field, and assisting clients with attendance at appointments throughout LA County, as needed. 
• Drafting correspondence, pleadings, motions, declarations, applications, and discovery requests and responses. 
• Preparing trial, mediation, arbitration, and hearing briefs, exhibits, and other documents. 
• Attending trials and hearings. 
• Assisting with administrative and clerical duties, including electronic filing.  
• Maintaining electronic case files and documents and proper documentation in our case management system. 
• Providing language interpretation and translation to support legal representation. 
• Completing grant-related forms and processes as required by funders.  
• Working closely with other paralegals to advise on and implement team procedures and systems. 
• Providing client education, information, and referrals. 
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Hiring Criteria: Commitment to ICLC’s mission and values. Mission driven and dedicated to eradicating homelessness and dismantling the systems that contribute to it. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Organized and detail-oriented. Ability to assume responsibility quickly and independently manage varied responsibilities. Ability to use good judgment, multitask and meet deadlines. Experience with Outlook and the Microsoft Office Suite. Ability to learn and utilize databases, software, and case management systems. Prior SSI, SSDI or other disability benefits experience a plus. Excellent customer service skills. Must be a certified paralegal or have a bachelor’s degree. Individuals fluent in Spanish and/or registered Notary Public preferred. Must have access to reliable transportation and valid driver’s license. 

Compensation: Hourly compensation from $24.54 - $37.45 per hour and is commensurate with qualifications and experience. Excellent benefits.  

How to Apply: Cover letters and resumes are reviewed upon receipt and applications will be accepted until the position is filled. To apply, please upload your resume and cover letter detailing interest in the position directly to our website at https://innercitylaw.org/apply/. Applications will not be considered if both resume and cover letter are not provided.  

Inner City Law Center is committed to having a diverse staff and an equitable and inclusive workplace. To read our full DEI Statement, please click here. 

ICLC is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to their race, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, age, disability, marital status, or medical condition. All qualified applicants with criminal histories shall be considered in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.  

To keep our Staff and Clients safe, ICLC requires all Staff to have received the COVID-19 vaccine.