Energy Unit Paralegal

Community Legal Services, Inc. • Philadelphia, PA

7d • Onsite

About The Position

CLS is seeking a full-time Energy Unit paralegal. The Energy Unit advocates zealously so that people have access to affordable water, heat, and electricity in their homes. The Energy Unit uses a cutting-edge, varied toolkit to increase access to affordable utility service for low-income Philadelphians, engaging in client representation, strategic litigation, multi-party administrative litigation, administrative and legislative advocacy at all levels of government, and media outreach and strategic communications. We also serve as Philadelphia’s Public Advocate in some utility issues, protecting the interests of consumers in rate setting and other proceedings.

Requirements

• A High School Diploma or a GED is a minimum requirement.
• Strong writing skills
• Computer literacy

Nice To Haves

• Fluency in writing and speaking a language other than English, preferably Spanish, is strongly preferred, but not required.
• Ability to use the Internet to assist with case investigations.
• High tolerance for interaction with bureaucracies.
• Ability to deal with a high volume of direct client interaction.
• Knowledge of other community resources for appropriate referrals.
• Client interviewing skills, obtaining the relevant case facts and drafting thorough notes, emails and letters.
• Ability to negotiate favorable outcomes for clients.
• Compassion and understanding for clients who are often dealing with significant levels of stress.
• Ability to learn a large volume of complex material quickly, initiative, strong interpersonal skills and ability to interact well in a multi-cultural environment.
• Willingness and motivation to assist on substantive cases and administrative matters.

Responsibilities

• Interview Energy applicants over the telephone and/or in person.
• Provide advice and representation to the Unit’s clients.
• Maintain a large number of client files under the supervision of attorneys in the unit.
• Negotiate affordable payment terms and resolution of utility disputes with PWD, PECO, and PGW, including communication with utility liaisons and advocating in writing on behalf of clients.
• Provide representation in informal disputes at the utility level.
• Prepare client cases for hearings before the Philadelphia Water Department, Tax Review Board, Office of Administrative Review, and Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.
• Help clients compile convincing evidence and assist witnesses with the preparation of oral and written testimony.
• Conduct community education and training.
• Provide advice to clients under the supervision of attorneys.
• Attend quarterly utility advisory committee meetings, as needed.
• Policy advocacy is also possible.
• Strategically evaluate the available legal options/resources to preserve access to utility service for as long as possible.
• Develop substantive experience in Utility law.
• Review relevant statutes, regulations, and utility tariffs when assessing the merits of clients’ disputes.

Benefits

• 100% employer paid medical (including gender affirming care), life, and short/long-term disability benefits
• a 403(b)-retirement plan with employer contribution
• a generous leave package, including 13 paid holidays and five personal holidays each year

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED