Legal Assistant

Blue Mountain Action Council•Walla Walla, WA

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Legal Assistant will work directly with the Pro Bono Legal Services Director to coordinate civil legal aid assistance for eligible SSVF clients. The Legal Assistant must be able to network and maintain professional working relationships with local (and long-distance) attorneys. This position will be involved in internal BMAC program outreach for the purposes of coordinating legal aid services and making appropriate referrals for clients. The Legal Assistant will support client efforts directly in preparation for attorney consultations and organize logistics for legal clinics. The Legal Assistant will collaborate in the planning and implementation of program events. Travel will be required to assist clients and provide community outreach in a wide program delivery region. The Legal Assistant must display a thorough understanding of client confidentiality and demonstrate the ability to follow confidentiality standards and policies accordingly. Additionally, it is vital that the Legal Assistant develops a thorough understanding of what constitutes giving legal advice and the boundaries associated with assisting program clients as a non-attorney.

Requirements

Associates degree in Human Services or related field
One (1) year of work experience in a direct services coordination position.
Valid state driver’s license and satisfactory driving record.
Must provide own vehicle for travel and provide proof of current auto insurance.
Strong commitment to BMAC’s mission of building thriving communities and to our values: hope, integrity, compassion, collaboration, and community.
Demonstrates the necessary attitudes, knowledge, and skills to deliver culturally competent services and work effectively with diverse populations, including LGBTQ and people of color, as well as individuals of all ages and ability levels.
Excellent ability to communicate professionally verbally and in writing.
Ability to work collaboratively with BMAC staff, program volunteers, Board members, court staff, and community partners.
A general knowledge of the civil legal system
Current understanding or willingness to learn legal ethics, including attorney conflict of interests, confidentiality, and obtaining appropriate releases of information.
Ability to be flexible when managing changing priorities and schedules, without compromising the quality of outcomes, ability to complete tasks, or uphold commitments.
Ability to initiate and respond to communication such as emails or letters promptly.
Proficient with Microsoft Office products, including Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, and SharePoint.
Ability to compile and accurately input and organize data, information, and files.
Ability to learn/use HMIS, Legal Server, and CAP60 software systems.

Nice To Haves

Experience in legal office preferred.
Experience working with Veterans and/or serving low-income families preferred.
Bilingual/Bicultural – English/Spanish, preferred.

Responsibilities

Assess referred BMAC SSVF program clients’ legal needs for barriers to housing attainment or housing stability.
Meet with clients in person or virtually to provide ongoing legal navigation by helping navigate legal resources, providing referrals, and giving brief explanations of documents and processes.
Prepare case summaries for attorney use when sending conflict check.
Interact with volunteer attorneys and court personnel in a professional manner regarding new and existing referrals.
Draft, prepare, organize, and review legal documents, including pleadings, declarations, correspondence, and other case-related materials
Maintain complete and accurate files and computer records while supporting the legal team in staying organized (particularly in HMIS, Legal Server, and CAP60, program client-tracking databases).
Under the direction of the Pro Bono Legal Services Director and participating attorneys, conduct legal research, prepare, organize, and maintain case-related documents and correspondence; and assist with case preparation.
Make oral or written presentations as requested for community outreach meetings or BMAC staff training regarding how to detect legal needs and specific BMAC Pro Bono Legal Services Program parameters and processes.
Monitor and record facilitation as necessary with clients, assigned legal service providers, and other parties to address any barriers to meeting client needs and identify effective strategies to remove those barriers.
Participate in weekly or as required case conferencing meetings with the SSVF program(s), including subcontractors.
Under the direction of the Director, understand and be able to facilitate required monitoring by the SSVF Director.
Performs other related duties as assigned