Staff Paralegal - Expungement - Spanish Bilingual Required (Hybrid)

Description

We're a dynamic legal non-profit committed to fighting injustice and advocating for social, economic, and racial equity by providing compassionate, holistic, and impactful legal services. Join our team, and together we can work towards a world where equity and justice are not a goal, but a given!

The Expungement Unit Staff Paralegal will work as a member of the Expungement team to assist clients with the expungement of their criminal records. This full-time non-exempt position reports to the Directing Attorney of Client Services.

Responsibilities

• Conduct client interviews, under attorney supervision, to determine whether clients are eligible for expungement, dismissal, reductions, juvenile sealing, or certificate of rehabilitation.
• Maintain a caseload of expungement-related matters, under attorney supervision.
• Prepare pleadings, motions, and other related legal documents in connection with expungement related matters.
• Work with attorneys to prepare cases for criminal hearings in State Courts.
• Prepare legal work under the supervision of an attorney.
• 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.
• Interview clients. Effectively and efficiently communicate with clients including accurately relaying legal advice provided by the attorney.
• Prepare legal forms, pleadings, memoranda, correspondence and other legal documents.
• Assist with citation checking.
• Assist attorneys with case investigation, witness interviews, factual and legal research.
• Perform various clerical duties such as record-keeping, document copying, e-Filing, etc.
• Observe confidentiality of attorney-client relationship.
• Maintain calendar and deadline reminder systems as needed.
• When qualified, engage in interpretation and translation for attorneys.
• Work with community groups, conduct outreach, and provide community education presentations and materials.
• Work with a multi-cultural perspective of inclusion and diversity.
• Work with and mentor paralegal and law students, interns, and volunteers.
• Follow all organizational and grant compliance policies and procedures.
• 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.
  
  

Requirements

• 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, or
• Paralegal Trainee or bachelor’s degree without legal supervision experience but enrolled in a paralegal certificate program as described by CA Business and Professions code Sec. 6450, with completion within two years of hire date, OR enrolled in BA or BS program, with completion within two years of hire date
• Knowledge and familiarity in the substantive areas of criminal law and criminal procedure - Preferred.
• Experience working in a high-volume environment - Preferred.
• Knowledge of legal software programs used to prepare California Judicial Council Forms - 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.
• Strong technical skills; including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams).
• Excellent analytical, communication, and listening skills.
• Strong writing skills.
• Reliable team player and multitasker.
• Ability to work well under pressure on several activities at once.
• 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.
• Empathetic and energetic attitude while working with others.
• Ability to interact with a wide range of clients utilizing client-centered lawyering and trauma informed frameworks.
• Spanish Bilingual proficiency – Required.
  
  

Life at CLA SoCal

In addition to a collaborative team spirit and learning culture, Community Legal Aid SoCal (CLA SoCal) offers a comprehensive and competitive salary and benefits package that includes group health and life insurance with optional employee buy-in, long-term disability, and various optional benefits such as pet insurance. We offer a flexible and hybrid work schedule. Our staff members can work as few as 35-hour week. Some positions may work beyond a 35-hour week, including evening and weekend events, when caseload or other obligations so necessitate. Employees enjoy a work-life balance with 16 paid holidays a year, paid vacation, sick, and personal/well-being leave. Employee Assistance Program, Law School Loan Reimbursement Program, flexible parental leave, and 401k with employer contribution are available. Employees who can prove bilingual proficiency are eligible for a monetary bonus. We constantly look for opportunities to enhance our programs, reward our teammates, and update our benefits offerings regularly.

About CLA SoCal

Community Legal Aid SoCal (CLA SoCal) is a diverse non-profit organization dedicated to meeting the legal needs of low-income residents and seniors throughout Orange and Los Angeles Counties. We focus on removing barriers to equitable access and providing compassionate, high-quality legal aid. CLA SoCal aims to fill all positions with people who share our values and reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. We provide equal employment opportunities and strongly encourage all interested individuals to apply, including people of different abilities, religions, identities, orientations, nationalities, and ethnicities.

Please note research suggests that individuals identifying as Black, Latinx, Asian, Pacific Islander, Indigenous, members of the LGBTQIA community, women, and people living with disabilities may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills to thrive at CLA SoCal to apply for this role.