CCLS Paralegal - Family Law (Entry Level)

Description

Reports to
Supervising Attorney  

FLSA Status

Full-Time, Non-Exempt, 

Union position

Application Deadline  

Until Filled 

Salary 

$20.22 to $24.11 per hour

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Central California Legal Services (CCLS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that was founded in 1966 for the purpose of providing free civil legal services to low-income individuals. CCLS core counties include Fresno, Kings, Mariposa, Merced, Tulare, and Tuolumne. CCLS’s health work also extends to San Luis Obispo, Monterey, San Benito, and Stanislaus counties. In Madera County, CCLS provides limited services to seniors and on health issues. CCLS has offices in Fresno, Merced, and Visalia, and satellite offices in Mendota and Los Banos. With nearly one hundred (100) employees, CCLS’s work includes direct services that meet our clients’ immediate needs, education, and advocacy.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Under attorney supervision, the Family Law Paralegal is an entry level position designed to preliminarily assist the Family Law practice group with litigation-based administrative duties while being trained by the Supervising Attorney to handle an individual caseload. Interested candidates must have a specific desire to practice Family Law and assist CCLS clients with issues involving domestic violence.   

Requirements

DUTIES

Administrative Duties:

• Submit electronic court filings in all counties served by CCLS; 
• Prepare and send pleadings to opposing counsel via email and U.S. Mail; 
• Prepare flash drives with audio/video recordings for CCLS advocates and opposing counsel; 
• Transcribe Spanish/English audio and video recordings for client files; 
• Prepare County Sheriff Instruction forms; 
• Prepare requests for court copies or personal service via the court runner; 
• Meet with CCLS clients to accept and provide case file documents; 
• Scan and e-file client court documents upon receipt;
• Other administrative duties as assigned.  

Position Duties: 

• Interview, assist and otherwise provide high quality services to self-help litigants consistent with CCLS program priorities;
• Draft and file documents related to family law matters, including but not limited to domestic violence restraining orders, dissolution of marriage, child custody, contempt of court, and declarations.
• Respond to client’s phone calls and emails in a timely manner;
• Close cases with appropriate documentation and notes in a timely manner following completion of the case;
• Provide court accompaniment to clients, when appropriate and approved by the supervisor; 
• Document all client contacts and casework in the case management system on a daily basis;
• Work with other CCLS advocates to ensure the delivery of high-quality legal services;
• Participate in weekly CCLS team meetings;
• Participate in biweekly case review meetings;
• Identify and analyze systemic issues through individual casework and through review of CCLS data and participation in statewide networks of legal services advocates;
• Interface with other CCLS and California advocates on issues of mutual interest;
• Participate with client groups and community-based service providers;
• Participate in community outreach and education events;
• Carry out CCLS policies and procedures;
• Attend training and keep abreast of changes in the law;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Meet the certification requirements detailed in the next section; 
• Demonstrate a genuine interest in the needs and legal rights of low-income people and specific interest in assisting members of the community with legal advice and information related to issues of domestic violence;
• Bilingual ability is required (Spanish/English);
• Superior interpersonal, oral and written communication skills;
• Ability to conduct client interviews, investigations, legal research, analytical reasoning ability, case review and problem solving;
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse groups of individuals and organizations including ability to provide leadership within a culturally diverse environment; 
• Must maintain effective interpersonal relationships at all organizational levels and with the public;
• Competency/experience with PC systems and standard software (Microsoft Office, Access, Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and other relevant databases);
• Reliable transportation, a valid CA Drivers’ License with appropriate car insurance.

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Education, training and experience sufficient to meet the requirements of Business & Professions Code § 6450, including documentation of at least one of the following:
• A certificate of completion of a paralegal program approved by the American Bar Association;
• A certificate of completion of a paralegal program, or a degree from a postsecondary institution that requires the successful completion of a minimum of 24 semester (or equivalent) units in law-related courses and that has been accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization or approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education;
• A baccalaureate degree or an advanced degree in any subject, 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;
• A high school diploma or general equivalency diploma, a minimum of three years 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.