Legal Assistant - Housing Hotline

Legal Aid Society Of San Bernardino•San Bernadino, CA

About The Position

The Legal Aid Society of San Bernardino has an immediate opening for a bilingual Legal Assistant to support our Housing Hotline program. This position assists low-income tenants facing eviction, housing discrimination, and subsidized housing issues. Working under attorney supervision, you will maintain a caseload of housing matters, prepare legal documents for eviction defense cases, and provide direct client services using client-centered and trauma-informed approaches. The ideal candidate has knowledge of landlord-tenant law, experience with California Judicial Council forms, and the ability to work effectively in a high-volume environment. Preference will be given to candidates with poverty law knowledge and experience serving low-income individuals. The Legal Aid Society of San Bernardino is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1958 to provide free civil legal services to low-income residents. For over six decades, LASSB has protected the rights of vulnerable community members throughout San Bernardino County. With a dedicated team of fewer than 45 staff members and volunteer attorneys, we serve over 8,000 households annually. Our organization advocates for the rights of low-income people, and we believe the right team with a powerful vision can change how society contributes to their success.

Requirements

Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish (speaking, reading, and writing)
Strong technical skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams)
Excellent analytical, communication, and listening skills
Strong writing skills with attention to detail
Capacity to meet strict deadlines in high-volume environment
Excellent organizational skills with keen attention to detail
Ability to work under attorney supervision
Commitment to serving disadvantaged populations
Valid California driver's license and reliable transportation
Ability to successfully complete background check required by funding sources

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of poverty law
Experience providing services to low-income individuals
Experience with California Judicial Council forms
Familiarity with LegalServer, Lawya, or similar case management software
Experience with eviction defense or unlawful detainer cases
Training in client-centered lawyering and trauma-informed frameworks
Prior work in legal aid or public interest law setting

Responsibilities

Maintain caseload of housing-related matters under attorney supervision, including eviction defense and administrative hearings for subsidized housing
Work with attorneys to prepare cases for trial and administrative hearings
Prepare legal documents, pleadings, forms, memoranda, and correspondence under attorney supervision
Assist attorneys with intake interviews and initial client appointments
Interview clients and communicate effectively in English and Spanish, including accurately relaying legal advice from attorneys
Prepare and maintain client files in both electronic and physical formats
Maintain detailed and accurate case notes and timekeeping in case management system
Use LegalServer, Lawya, and other programs to collect and maintain data required under grant funding
Prepare California Judicial Council forms and housing-related legal documents
Perform clerical duties including record-keeping, document copying, e-filing, and file management
Observe strict confidentiality of attorney-client relationship
Attend and staff legal clinics and workshops at local courts and community locations
Perform other duties as required to meet organizational needs