Staff Paralegal Hybrid (Seniors)

The Paralegal will work as a member of the Seniors unit to assist Orange County seniors with legal issues across all CLA SoCal practice areas. This full-time, hybrid (three days in-person), non-exempt paralegal position reports to the Supervising Attorney of the Senior's Unit.

Responsibilities

• Assist the attorney in various areas of the law including but not limited to elder abuse; consumer debt issues; housing issues, government benefits issues; and conservatorships and guardianship issues.   
• Maintain contact with the client when necessary and with opposing party or opposing attorney. 
• Assist attorneys with discovery process including propounding and responding to discovery requests. 
• Under attorney supervision, represent clients in administrative appeals to the local Housing Authority and to the Social Security Administration. 
• Travel to senior centers on a monthly basis to conduct in person intake and interviews with clients scheduled by the senior center. 
• Dependent on grant, assist with grant reporting and tracking grant deliverables. 
• 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. 
• Effectively interview and communicate with clients including accurately relaying legal advice provided by the attorney.   
• Prepare legal forms, pleadings, memoranda, correspondence and other legal documents. 
• Assist attorney with citation checking and 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. 
• When qualified, engage in interpretation and translation for attorneys. 
• Work with a multi-cultural perspective of inclusion and diversity.   
• 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. 

• 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 
• Spanish Bilingual proficiency – Required. 
• Knowledge in elder law; consumer debt issues; housing issues, government benefits issues; estate planning; and conservatorships and guardianship issues - Preferred.    
• Strong writing skills and experience with preparation of pleadings and related court documents - Preferred.   
• Experience representing clients in administrative law matters such housing appeals and Social Security Administration appeals - Preferred. 
• Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, active insurance policy or other ability to travel frequently in and around the service area for representation and to engage with clients and community partners - Required.  
• Hybrid - At least 3 days in office. 
• Strong technical skills; including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams).  
• Excellent analytical, communication, and listening skills. 
• Ability to work well under pressure and multi-task. 
• 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. 
• Ability to interact with a wide range of clients utilizing client-centered lawyering and trauma-informed frameworks. 
• Proven interest in social justice issues. 
• Commitment to CLA SoCal’s mission – Required.