Legal Assistant - Housing Hotline

Legal Aid Society of San Bernardino
San Bernardino County, California

Position Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Language Requirement: Bilingual English/Spanish Required
Annual Salary: $45,760 – $47,840, commensurate with experience

The Legal Aid Society of San Bernardino has an immediate opening for a bilingual Legal Assistant to support our Housing Hotline program. This position assists low-income tenants facing eviction, housing discrimination, and subsidized housing issues. Working under attorney supervision, the Legal Assistant will maintain a caseload of housing matters, prepare legal documents for eviction defense cases, and provide direct client services using client-centered and trauma-informed approaches.

The ideal candidate has knowledge of landlord-tenant law, experience with California Judicial Council forms, and the ability to work effectively in a high-volume environment. Preference will be given to candidates with poverty law knowledge and experience serving low-income individuals.

The Legal Aid Society of San Bernardino is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1958 to provide free civil legal services to low-income residents. For over six decades, LASSB has protected the rights of vulnerable community members throughout San Bernardino County.

With a dedicated team of fewer than 45 staff members and volunteer attorneys, we serve over 8,000 households annually. Our organization advocates for the rights of low-income people, and we believe the right team with a powerful vision can change how society contributes to their success.

• Maintain a caseload of housing-related matters under attorney supervision, including eviction defense and administrative hearings for subsidized housing
• Work with attorneys to prepare cases for trial and administrative hearings
• Prepare legal documents, pleadings, forms, memoranda, and correspondence under attorney supervision
• Assist attorneys with intake interviews and initial client appointments
• Interview clients and communicate effectively in English and Spanish, including accurately relaying legal advice from attorneys
• Prepare and maintain client files in both electronic and physical formats
• Maintain detailed and accurate case notes and timekeeping in the case management system
• Use LegalServer, Lawya, and other programs to collect and maintain data required under grant funding
• Prepare California Judicial Council forms and housing-related legal documents
• Perform clerical duties including record-keeping, document copying, e-filing, and file management
• Observe strict confidentiality of the attorney-client relationship
• Attend and staff legal clinics and workshops at local courts and community locations
• Perform other duties as required to meet organizational needs

• Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish (speaking, reading, and writing)
• Strong technical skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams)
• Excellent analytical, communication, and listening skills
• Strong writing skills with attention to detail
• Ability to meet strict deadlines in a high-volume environment
• Excellent organizational skills
• Ability to work under attorney supervision
• Commitment to serving disadvantaged populations
• Valid California driver’s license and reliable transportation
• Ability to successfully complete a background check required by funding sources

• Knowledge of poverty law
• Experience providing services to low-income individuals
• Experience with California Judicial Council forms
• Familiarity with LegalServer, Lawya, or similar case management software
• Experience with eviction defense or unlawful detainer cases
• Training in client-centered lawyering and trauma-informed frameworks
• Prior work in legal aid or public interest law

• Ability to interact with a wide range of clients using client-centered and trauma-informed approaches
• Knowledge of legal software programs used for California Judicial Council forms
• Understanding of eviction procedures and subsidized housing regulations
• Strong interpersonal skills and cultural competency
• Ability to manage a high-volume caseload while maintaining quality
• Strong problem-solving skills and sound judgment
• Effective time management and prioritization abilities

• Primarily sedentary work involving extended computer use
• Travel to courts, clinics, and community locations throughout San Bernardino County may be required
• Occasional evening or weekend work for clinics or workshops
• Ability to lift and carry files and materials up to 25 pounds
• Fast-paced, high-volume professional office environment
• Reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities

Annual Salary: $45,760 – $47,840
Hourly Equivalent: Approximately $22.00 – $23.00 per hour
Classification: Non-Exempt (eligible for overtime)

• Employer-paid medical insurance
• Life insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Dental insurance (employee-paid, employer-facilitated)
• Vision insurance (employee-paid, employer-facilitated)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Professional development opportunities
• Qualifying employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

The Legal Aid Society of San Bernardino is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.

We strongly encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds, including people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, veterans, and members of other historically underrepresented communities.

Language Requirement: The bilingual English/Spanish requirement is a bona fide occupational qualification based on the essential functions of the position.

Fair Chance Hiring: In accordance with the California Fair Chance Act, LASSB will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Reasonable Accommodations: LASSB provides reasonable accommodations in accordance with the ADA and FEHA. If you require an accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact Human Resources.

This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed and is not an exhaustive list of duties. LASSB reserves the right to modify job duties as organizational needs require.

The Legal Aid Society of San Bernardino is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.