HCRU Paralegal - Economic Justice Team

Community Legal Services, Inc. • Philadelphia, PA

4d

About The Position

Community Legal Services (CLS) seeks a full-time paralegal for its Homeownership and Consumer Rights Unit (HCRU), working with the economic justice practice group and focusing on consumer debt, including student loans. The HCRU represents low-income Philadelphians facing mortgage and tax foreclosures, debt collection lawsuits, and unfair or abusive debt collection practices. It also helps protect clients’ income and access to banking when their accounts are garnished and assists student loan borrowers with loan forgiveness and affordable payment programs.

The paralegal will provide ongoing case support to attorneys, handle cases under attorney supervision, and participate in outreach and advocacy. The team works to address harmful debt practices through client representation, affirmative litigation, court reform, legislative advocacy, and community education. These efforts respond to practices that can deepen financial distress and disproportionately affect Black and Brown Philadelphians.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Strong writing skills.
• Strong computer literacy, including proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
• Proven ability to interact well in a multicultural environment.

Nice To Haves

• Fluency in writing and speaking a language other than English, preferably Spanish.
• Experience with a social services agency or nonprofit organization that advocates on behalf of the poor, or experience in legislative or administrative advocacy, community outreach, and education.
• Strong and proven commitment to racial justice work and advocacy.

Responsibilities

• Interview clients seeking legal help in person or by phone and gather related documents and information.
• Draft correspondence to clients and opposing parties and assist attorneys in defending clients facing debt collection lawsuits.
• Under attorney supervision, advise clients on protecting limited income from seizure, write demand letters, and negotiate agreements with collectors and opposing counsel.
• Support affirmative litigation addressing misconduct by debt collectors, loan servicers, and predatory institutions.
• Assist student loan borrowers in applying for loan discharges, financial hardship claims, and consolidation and rehabilitation plans.
• Help clients obtain credit reports, report consumer fraud, and file complaints with consumer protection agencies.
• Create and revise “Know Your Rights” materials and present community education workshops for individuals and community organizations.
• Engage in advocacy campaigns for court reforms and legislative changes.

Benefits

• 100% employer-paid medical benefits, including gender-affirming care.
• Employer-paid life insurance.
• Employer-paid short- and long-term disability benefits.
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution.
• Generous leave package.
• 13 paid holidays each year.
• 7 personal holidays each year.

What This Job Offers

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