Paralegal/Litigation Clerk

EVICTION DEFENSE COLLABORATIVE•San Francisco, CA

7d•$32 - $37•Hybrid

About The Position

The Litigation Paralegal (Paralegal) is an integral part of the Right to Counsel Program that assists Litigation attorneys in the course of their representation of tenants facing eviction. Because we strive to be barrier-free and client-centered, the position requires individuals who truly enjoy working with people, have the skills and capacity to respond in an empathetic and respectful way to clients who are often in crisis and can work effectively in a collegial and fast paced environment. The employee will work closely with RADCo (Rental Assistance) and Litigation staff to ensure clients are supported in their efforts to secure rental and/or litigation assistance. The employee will be primarily tasked with assisting Litigation Attorneys in their work representing tenants facing eviction.

Requirements

At least one year of relevant experience performing legal support work, whether paid, volunteer, internship, community-based, or academic.
Demonstrated interest in and ability to learn core paralegal tasks such as drafting legal documents, supporting litigation efforts, and managing case files.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to draft and proofread legal documents.
Experience working directly with individuals with a diversity of racial, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, and other office software; experience managing online calendars and setting appointments.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, ability to communicate effectively with others, listen closely and convey points clearly.
Strong organization and time-management skills; ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, manage a high volume of work and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team
Ability to follow detailed instructions, collaborate effectively with legal teams, and engage constructively with clients and colleagues.

Nice To Haves

Paralegal certificate or degree (completed or in progress), OR a minimum of 1 year of legal support experience in a law office, legal aid organization, court system, or similar setting.
Three (3) years of litigation paralegal experience strongly preferred.
Experience drafting legal documents, supporting litigation efforts, and managing case files in a legal or related setting.
Experience working in housing justice, legal aid, or social services settings.
Fluency in a language other than English highly preferred (Spanish, Cantonese, or Tagalog especially welcome).
Proven ability to ask personal or sensitive questions with professionalism, compassion, and discretion.
Salesforce or other legal/case management database experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

Assist in responding to and propounding discovery.
Review legal documents.
Under attorney supervision, prepare responsive pleadings, stay of execution requests, other ex parte applications, noticed motions, and other necessary pleadings.
Maintain and update client files, calendars, and internal databases in a timely and accurate manner.
Conduct client intakes and maintain ongoing client communication with empathy and professionalism.
Participate in regular skills-based training sessions.
Provide trial preparation and litigation support for attorneys.
Accompany attorneys to court hearings to shadow proceedings.
Support litigation efforts by working with up to three (3) staff attorneys on approximately 150 cases per year.
Work with attorneys and other EDC staff to train and supervise volunteers and interns.
Organize and maintain documents.
Conduct legal research.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Attend weekly program meetings, monthly agency staff meetings, and relevant supervision meetings.
Enter client data on time and correctly to support program evaluation and outcomes tracking.