Paralegal - Opportunity Under Law

Public Counsel•Los Angeles, CA

22d•Hybrid

About The Position

Public Counsel is a nonprofit public interest law firm dedicated to advancing civil rights and racial and economic justice. The Paralegal provides litigation support for Public Counsel’s impact litigation team, Opportunity Under Law (OUL). In partnership with the Program Manager, the Paralegal helps manage OUL’s litigation deadlines and provides high-quality litigation support to advance the goals of the clients and communities Public Counsel serves. The Paralegal will work on OUL’s existing complex federal and state impact cases and will assist in the development of new impact litigation opportunities to promote civil rights and economic and racial justice. The paralegal will support impact litigation teams with case preparation, client communication, document management, and litigation support. The position may involve some off-site work to engage in investigation and litigation support.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university and either: (1) a paralegal certificate/degree in paralegal studies from an ABA-approved institution; or (2) at least 1 year of experience in litigation support under the supervision of a California attorney
5-7 years of litigation support/paralegal experience
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including excellent proofreading skills
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Ability to prioritize, solve problems independently, and efficiently manage time to meet deadlines
Proficiency in computer applications and databases (including Adobe, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Zoom, Teams, Office 365, Westlaw and Lexis) and an openness to using approved AI platforms as requested
Ability to conduct research on legal procedures
Knowledge of court systems and e-filing practices for state and federal courts
Knowledge of Bluebook and California citation styles
Fluency in written and spoken Spanish
Ability to travel locally and nationally to engage in investigation and litigation support
Ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds and in multidisciplinary teams
Demonstrated commitment and comfort with trauma-informed legal advocacy, including empathy, responsive listening, restraint from judgement, and demonstration of authentic care and concern
Ability to proactively manage up
Open and growth mindset and commitment to a healthy organizational culture
Excellent judgment and discretion as well as excellent interpersonal and organizational skills that gain and sustain respect internally and with external partners
High levels of emotional intelligence and cultural competency, including being curious, self-aware, cognizant of bias, compassionate, patient, and willing to listen
Commitment to economic and racial justice and Public Counsel’s mission

Nice To Haves

Experience with trial and discovery support is strongly preferred
Experience in supporting large teams/multiple attorneys or managing multiple caseloads is strongly preferred

Responsibilities

Conduct trauma-informed interviews of individuals and draft declarations and complaint narratives, and other legal documents as assigned
Conduct community and plaintiff-class outreach and fostering relationships with community-based organizations
Prepare and finalize legal documents for filing, including formatting, cite checking in accordance with the Blue Book, and creating tables of contents and authorities
File legal documents in state and federal courts
Research local court rules on filing and service practices
Assist with discovery, including document review and production
Assist with trial, including preparing binders and exhibits
Attend litigation team meetings
Assist with fact and expert investigation into ongoing and potential litigation
Support coordination with pro bono volunteers, including co-counsel
Assist with internal project management and coordination between the litigation team and other Public Counsel projects and departments
Provide administrative support to the litigation team, including maintaining litigation calendars, scheduling meetings, document management, and time records for fee requests
Perform other duties as assigned

Benefits

Medical coverage with an option for 100% employer-paid employee and dependent child(ren)’s premiums; buy up options are available for other HMO and PPO coverage
Dental and vision coverage
Option to enroll in a Flexible Spending Account
Employer-paid life insurance and disability plans
Generous paid time off (per year): 15 accrued vacation days that increase to 20 days after 3 years of employment
12 accrued sick days that may be used for physical and mental health needs
2 personal observance days
11 paid holidays plus 2 one-week office closures (during the summer and winter)
Up to 60 hours of compensatory time per calendar year (for exempt staff only)
403(b) retirement plan with an elective employee contribution, and after a year of employment a discretionary employer contribution
Free on-site parking or public transportation reimbursement
$45 per pay period for employees who use non-English language skills to perform work duties
Up to 6 months of parental leave
Organizational and team wellness activities to build team cohesion and camaraderie
Professional development support and opportunities
Annual payment of dues for required licenses or certifications (state bar dues for attorneys) and for a mutually agreed-upon professional organization