CCLS Paralegal - Pro Bono Program
About The Position
The Pro Bono Program (PBP), a project of Central California Legal Services (CCLS), connects private attorneys, paralegals, and other appropriate professionals with opportunities to donate legal services through clinics, workshops, outreach programs, special projects, and direct client representation. The Pro Bono Program Paralegal assists PBP staff in developing and implementing projects, including the Veterans’ Legal Services Clinic, Project First Step, Estate Planning, Small Business Collective, and Civil Appellate Self-Help Workshop. The position interviews clients and prepares files for pro bono volunteers, supports case placements, maintains client files and case notes, organizes clinics, and coordinates volunteer attorneys, paralegals, and other professionals. The paralegal also supports strategic partnerships with community organizations, law firms, bar associations, legal services providers, private-sector entities, and government agencies. Additional work includes recruiting, training, managing, and recognizing paralegal students and other interns, and staffing veteran partner outreach events to conduct prescreens and explain CCLS services. CCLS is a nonprofit organization providing free civil legal services to low-income individuals. It serves a number of counties in central California and has offices in Fresno, Merced, and Visalia, with satellite offices in Mendota and Los Banos. The role reports to the Director of Pro Bono & Strategic Partnerships and is a full-time, non-exempt, union position. The posted pay range is $20.22–$32.79 per hour.
Requirements
- Education, training, and experience sufficient to meet California Business & Professions Code § 6450, documented through one of the qualifying pathways listed in the posting: an ABA-approved paralegal program certificate; a qualifying paralegal program certificate or postsecondary degree with at least 24 semester-equivalent law-related units; a baccalaureate or advanced degree plus at least one year of qualifying law-related experience under an eligible attorney and that attorney’s written declaration; or a high school diploma/GED plus at least three years of qualifying law-related experience under an eligible attorney and that attorney’s written declaration.
- Entrepreneurial, goal-oriented, and highly organized.
- Able to communicate effectively and courteously with people who use other languages or communication methods, using an interpreter as needed.
- Able to interact professionally, courteously, and in a culturally competent manner with individuals and groups.
- Able to work independently and cooperatively, maintain positive working relationships, and give and receive assistance.
- Able to work under pressure and manage stress while maintaining a professional manner with callers and staff.
- Able to work quickly and accurately, multitask, and meet short timelines.
- Able to participate in community outreach when required.
- Able to work evenings and weekends when required.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills and ability to document work activities contemporaneously and accurately.
- Punctual and reliable in attending work and meeting commitments.
- Able to understand and maintain detailed knowledge of grantor requirements and CCLS policies and practices, and ensure compliance.
- Able to record and use program data for reporting and evaluation.
- Able to understand, obtain, and manage legal documents and related materials needed for client participation in clinics, workshops, and outreach programs.
- Competency or experience with PC systems and standard software, including Microsoft Office, Access, Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and relevant databases.
- Reliable transportation.
Responsibilities
- Participate in developing strategies to expand pro bono participation in the CCLS service area.
- With supervision, conduct prospective-client intake, needs assessment, case planning, and referrals.
- Collaborate in implementing outreach events, legal clinics, and other pro bono opportunities.
- Provide project support to staff and core team members to help achieve project goals.
- Assist with training and supporting CCLS staff and volunteers.
- Assist the Director of Pro Bono & Strategic Partnerships with compliance matters.
- Help identify and analyze systemic issues by reviewing program data.
- Assist with pro bono case placement, case status updates, and volunteer time reporting.
- Communicate and coordinate with staff advocates, pro bono attorneys, and community partner groups.
- Work directly with clients on clinic registration, completing intakes, preparing client files, and executing required documents.
- Help identify client groups, community organizations, service providers, pro bono attorneys, and others for program participation, including through community outreach and educational events.
- Assist with collecting project data and completing periodic project reports.
- Participate in PBP meetings and recruitment events as scheduled.
- Assist in developing PBP marketing and communications materials.
- Assist in developing and maintaining department policies and procedures.
- Maintain required documentation in client and volunteer files.
- Staff key veterans’ outreach events.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
No Education Listed
