Paralegal - Eviction Defense Project

Bet Tzedek Legal Services•Los Angeles, CA

6h•$66,700 - $67,593•Hybrid

About The Position

For nearly 50 years, Bet Tzedek Legal Services has provided high-quality, free legal services to Los Angeles’ most vulnerable residents. In that tradition, Bet Tzedek is seeking a paralegal to join our Eviction Defense Project (EDP). The project fights to eliminate homelessness by providing litigation-based direct services to residential tenants in Los Angeles County facing eviction or other rental housing disputes. EDP is part of the Right to Counsel Coalition and Stay Housed L.A. initiative. This position will require the candidate to work at Bet Tzedek’s main office three days a week. This position is eligible for Bet Tzedek Legal Services’ hybrid/remote workplace designation. While the primary workplace is Bet Tzedek’s offices, at the discretion of the immediate supervisor, the employee may be permitted to work remotely or may be required to work in other locations depending on workload/business obligations.

Requirements

A paralegal certificate/degree in paralegal studies from an ABA-approved institution OR bachelor's degree and at least 1 year of law-related experience under the supervision of an attorney who has been an active member of the California bar for the preceding 3 years (required); OR a high school diploma or GED plus at least 3 years of law-related experience, under the supervision of a Qualifying Supervisor, and a written declaration from the Qualifying Supervisor stating that the person is qualified to perform paralegal tasks.
Experience in state court systems, including state court e-filing systems (required);
Thorough knowledge of legal terminology, court rules, and procedures (required);
Proficiency with the Internet and Web-based applications (required);
Bilingual and biliterate in both English and Spanish (highly preferred);
Demonstrated commitment to Bet Tzedek’s mission to provide free legal services to those who need them most (required); and
Demonstrated commitment to applying principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion in performance of job duties (required)

Nice To Haves

MS Office and legal database (Lexis/Nexis, Westlaw, Legal Server, NetDocs, Adobe Acrobat Pro DC, OneLegal) proficiency (highly preferred);
At least 2 years of law firm experience supporting multiple attorneys (preferred);
Knowledge and experience in landlord-tenant law, eviction defense, or similar practice areas related to housing or homelessness (preferred);

Responsibilities

Support a high-volume caseload that includes client interviews and delivering advice and counsel in eviction defense and landlord-tenant matters under the supervision of an attorney;
Support attorneys with discovery, including preparation of discovery requests and discovery responses, and coordinating depositions;
Draft motions and other pleadings to be served and filed with the court and prepare trial binders and exhibit binders, under the supervision of an attorney;
Maintain well-organized digital case files and accurate case statistics;
Assist with outreach and education efforts, including delivering “Know Your Rights” presentations;
Assist with administrative and clerical duties such as communicating with clients, calendaring, e-filing, and opening and closing digital case files; and
Other assignments as deemed appropriate.

Benefits

A generous number of paid holidays, vacation, and sick days annually.
Personal and floating holidays
Compensatory time for exempt employees.
18 weeks of paid parental leave (after 1 year of employment).
Medical, dental, vision, chiropractic and acupuncture coverage for employees and dependents, with office visit co-pay reimbursement for HMO enrollees.
Life/accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, long-term disability insurance, and Employee Assistance Plan.
Voluntary (employee-contributed) life/AD&D, accident, critical illness, hospital confinement, and pet insurance.
Employee-contributed 403(b) plan.
Employer-contributed Pension plan.
Healthcare and childcare flexible spending accounts.
Commuter transit and/or parking benefits.