Staff Paralegal Intake and Assessment (Hybrid)

COMMUNITY LEGAL AID SOCAL • Santa Ana, CA

just now • Hybrid

About The Position

Are you ready to support your community by providing compassionate, high-quality intake and assessment services that connect clients to critical legal resources?

The Vietnamese Bilingual Intake and Assessment Paralegal will work as a member of the Intake and Assessment Unit to conduct intake and assessment of new clients via the CLA SoCal Hotline, Online Intake, off-site legal clinics, and outreach events. This full-time, hybrid, non-exempt position reports to the Associate Supervisor of Intake and Assessment.

Requirements

• Paralegal certificate, paralegal degree or Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of one year of law-related experience under the supervision of an attorney who has been an active member of the State Bar of California for at least the preceding three years or who has practiced in the federal courts of this state for at least the preceding three years, and a written declaration from this attorney stating that the person is qualified to perform paralegal tasks.
• Experience working in a call center, with the ability to use computers and learn data entry and communication technologies.
• Bilingual English/Vietnamese – Required.
• Knowledge of general CLA SoCal practice areas (Family Law, Public Benefits, Consumer, and Housing preferred) and the ability to accurately enter and manage client information.
• Strong communication and client service skills, including the ability to handle difficult or stressful client situations and type at least 30 wpm.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, active insurance policy or other ability to travel frequently in and around the service area for representation and to engage with clients and community partners - Required.
• Strong technical, analytical, and communication skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams), excellent listening abilities, and strong writing skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure, manage multiple priorities simultaneously, and meet strict deadlines.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with strong initiative, problem-solving skills, and the ability to learn quickly and work independently.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment while meeting team and organizational goals.
• Collaborative and empathetic team member with a desire to learn, share knowledge, and bring energy to working with others.
• Ability to interact with a wide range of clients utilizing client-centered lawyering and trauma-informed frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Conduct client intake and eligibility screening by phone and in person, including collecting demographic information and entering data into legal databases.
• Identify and document clients’ legal issues and communicate attorney advice and counsel to eligible clients in accordance with established procedures.
• Ensure compliance with intake policies and grant requirements, including assisting with grant reporting and tracking deliverables as applicable.
• Prepare legal work under attorney supervision, including legal forms, pleadings, memoranda, correspondence, and citation checking.
• Maintain accurate case records in the case management system (LegalServer), including detailed case notes and timekeeping.
• Prepare and manage client files, both electronic and physical, in accordance with office procedures.
• Assist attorneys with client intake, interviews, and initial appointments, including effectively communicating with clients and relaying attorney advice.
• Support case investigation and legal research, including witness interviews and factual and legal research.
• Perform clerical and administrative support tasks, such as record-keeping, document copying, e-filing, calendar management, and deadline tracking.
• Maintain confidentiality and provide language support when qualified, including interpretation and translation services as needed.
• Work with community groups, conduct outreach, and provide community education presentations and materials.
• Work with a multi-cultural perspective.
• Maybe required to work at clinics and/or workshops located in local courts, CLA SoCal offices, or at partner agencies.
• Perform other duties as required to meet the needs of the organization.

Benefits

• 35-hour workweek - the work dictates the work schedule; some positions may work weekends or evenings.
• Hybrid Schedule
• 16 paid holidays + PTO (including wellness days) starting Day 1
• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and long-term disability
• 401(k) with employer contribution
• Student loan reimbursement program
• Bilingual bonus pay for qualified staff

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 51-100 employees