CCLS Paralegal - Pro Bono Program

Reports to
Director of Pro Bono & Strategic Partnerships 

FLSA Status

Full-Time, Non-Exempt, Union position

Application Deadline  

Until Filled 

Salary 

$20.22 - $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

The Pro Bono Program (PBP), a project of CCLS, provides opportunities for private attorneys, paralegals, and appropriate professionals to donate legal services through its organized clinics, workshops, outreach programs, special projects, and direct client representation. 

The Pro Bono Program Paralegal will assist the PBP staff in developing and implementing pro bono projects, including the Veterans’ Legal Services Clinic, Project First Step, Estate Planning, Small Business Collective, and the Civil Appellate Self-Help Workshop. The PBP Paralegal has responsibility for interviewing clients and preparing client files for pro bono volunteers, supporting pro bono case placements, managing client files and case notes, organizing clinics, and coordinating volunteer attorneys, paralegals, and other appropriate professionals.

The PBP Program Paralegal will assist the PBP staff in developing, managing, and supporting strategic partnerships with community organizations, law firms, bar associations, other legal services providers, private sector entities, and governmental agencies designed to expand and enhance the array of legal services CCLS provides.

The Paralegal will assist the PBP staff in recruiting, training, managing, and recognizing paralegal students and other interns. CCLS provides opportunities for interns and fellows in its internal legal programs and in clinics, workshops, and outreach programs.  The Paralegal will also staff outreach at key veteran partner events, conducting prescreens and providing information on CCLS’ services.

DUTIES

• Participate in the development of strategies to expand pro bono participation in the CCLS service area;
• With supervision, conduct intake of prospective clients, needs assessment, case planning, and referrals for each client; 
• Collaborate in the implementation of outreach events, legal clinics, and other pro bono opportunities;
• Provide project support to staff and core team members for the achievement of identified project goals;
• Assist in providing training and support to CCLS staff and volunteers to create volunteer experiences that meet the needs of CCLS staff, CCLS clients and community members, and the volunteers;
• Assist the Director of Pro Bono & Strategic Partnerships with compliance matters;
• Assist with the identification and analysis of systemic issues through review of program data; 
• Assist with pro bono case placement, case status updates, and volunteer time reporting; 
• Communicate and interface with other staff advocates, pro bono attorneys and community partner groups; 
• Work directly with CCLS clients for clinic registration, finalizing intakes, preparing client files, and executing documents required by grantors or required for successful participation; 
• Contribute to identifying client groups, community-based organizations, service providers, pro bono attorneys and others for participation in the program, which may include being proactive in community outreach and educational events;
• Assist in collecting project data and the completion of periodic project reports;
• Participate in PBP meetings and recruitment events as scheduled;
• Assist in the development of marketing and communications materials for the PBP;
• Assist in developing and maintaining department policies and procedures;
• Maintain required documentation in client and volunteer files;
• Staff key veterans’ outreach events;
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Entrepreneurial spirit, goal-oriented, and highly organized; 
• Capable of effectively and courteously conversing with individuals from the client community who communicate using other languages or methods (with the use of an interpreter as needed);
• Ability to interact with individuals and groups in a professional, courteous, and culturally competent manner;
• Ability to work both independently and cooperatively in a team environment; maintain positive working relationships with team and other staff members; and provide and receive assistance from the team and other staff members;
• Ability to work under pressure and deal with stress while maintaining a professional and appropriate manner with callers and staff;
• Ability to work quickly but accurately, multi-task, and meet short timelines;
• Ability to engage in outreach activities in the community when and if required;
• Ability to work evenings and weekends when and if required;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, and ability to document work activities on a contemporaneous and accurate basis;
• Ability to be punctual and reliable in attending work and keeping work commitments;
• Ability to obtain and maintain detailed understanding and ensure compliance with grantor requirements and CCLS policy and practices;
• Ability to record and use program data for program reporting and evaluation;
• Ability to understand, obtain, and manage legal documentation and related items needed for successful participation by clients in clinics, workshops, and outreach programs;
• Competency/experience with PC systems and standard software (Microsoft Office, Access, Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and other relevant databases);
• Reliable transportation.

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.