CCLS Paralegal - Family Law (Entry Level)

Central California Legal Services, Inc.•Fresno, CA

1d•$20 - $24•Onsite

About The Position

Under attorney supervision, the Family Law Paralegal is an entry level position designed to preliminarily assist the Family Law practice group with litigation-based administrative duties while being trained by the Supervising Attorney to handle an individual caseload. Interested candidates must have a specific desire to practice Family Law and assist CCLS clients with issues involving domestic violence.

Requirements

Meet the certification requirements detailed in the next section
Demonstrate a genuine interest in the needs and legal rights of low-income people and specific interest in assisting members of the community with legal advice and information related to issues of domestic violence
Bilingual ability is required (Spanish/English)
Superior interpersonal, oral and written communication skills
Ability to conduct client interviews, investigations, legal research, analytical reasoning ability, case review and problem solving
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse groups of individuals and organizations including ability to provide leadership within a culturally diverse environment
Must maintain effective interpersonal relationships at all organizational levels and with the public
Competency/experience with PC systems and standard software (Microsoft Office, Access, Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and other relevant databases)
Reliable transportation, a valid CA Drivers’ License with appropriate car insurance
A certificate of completion of a paralegal program approved by the American Bar Association
A certificate of completion of a paralegal program, or a degree from a postsecondary institution that requires the successful completion of a minimum of 24 semester (or equivalent) units in law-related courses and that has been accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization or approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education
A baccalaureate degree or an advanced degree in any subject, 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
A high school diploma or general equivalency diploma, a minimum of three years 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

Responsibilities

Submit electronic court filings in all counties served by CCLS
Prepare and send pleadings to opposing counsel via email and U.S. Mail
Prepare flash drives with audio/video recordings for CCLS advocates and opposing counsel
Transcribe Spanish/English audio and video recordings for client files
Prepare County Sheriff Instruction forms
Prepare requests for court copies or personal service via the court runner
Meet with CCLS clients to accept and provide case file documents
Scan and e-file client court documents upon receipt
Interview, assist and otherwise provide high quality services to self-help litigants consistent with CCLS program priorities
Draft and file documents related to family law matters, including but not limited to domestic violence restraining orders, dissolution of marriage, child custody, contempt of court, and declarations
Respond to client’s phone calls and emails in a timely manner
Close cases with appropriate documentation and notes in a timely manner following completion of the case
Provide court accompaniment to clients, when appropriate and approved by the supervisor
Document all client contacts and casework in the case management system on a daily basis
Work with other CCLS advocates to ensure the delivery of high-quality legal services
Participate in weekly CCLS team meetings
Participate in biweekly case review meetings
Identify and analyze systemic issues through individual casework and through review of CCLS data and participation in statewide networks of legal services advocates
Interface with other CCLS and California advocates on issues of mutual interest
Participate with client groups and community-based service providers
Participate in community outreach and education events
Carry out CCLS policies and procedures
Attend training and keep abreast of changes in the law
Perform other duties as assigned