CCLS Paralegal - Family Law

Description

Reports to
Supervising Attorney  

FLSA Status

Full-Time, Non-Exempt (Union position)

Application Deadline  

Until Filled 

Salary 

$20.22 to $32.79 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 will assist with case management from intake to trial, which may include, advice, representation, and/or drafting requests for domestic violence restraining orders, child custody, dissolution of marriage, spousal support, child support, special immigrant juvenile status, or other family law matters.  The Paralegal will also screen for CCLS services and provide appropriate referrals to community partners. 

Requirements

DUTIES

• Interview, assist and otherwise provide high-quality services to self-help litigants consistent with CCLS program priorities;
• Work with other CCLS advocates to ensure the delivery of high-quality legal services;
• Participate in weekly CCLS case review meetings;
• Identify and analyze systemic issues through individual casework, 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

• Minimum of two (2) years’ experience in providing direct services in family law-related matters;
• Demonstrate a genuine interest in the needs and legal rights of low-income people;
• Knowledge of the principles and procedures of court hearings;
• Ability to conduct client interviews, investigations, legal research, analytical reasoning ability, case review and problem solving;
• Superior interpersonal, oral and written communication skills;
• 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;
• Bilingual ability highly preferred (Spanish/English);
• Competency/experience with PC systems and standard software (Microsoft Office, Access, Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and other relevant databases);
• Flexibility to work some nights and weekends as needed;
• 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.