Part-Time Paralegal

Part-Time Paralegal

Career Opportunity: Part-Time Paralegal with The Ohio Justice and Policy Center in Cleveland, Ohio Are you passionate about creating fair, intelligent, and redemptive criminal justice systems? Do you want to support individuals seeking a second chance? If so, we want you to join our team.

As a Part-Time Paralegal, you will support OJPC's Beyond Guilt Project, which advocates for the release of incarcerated individuals serving excessive or unjust sentences through parole advocacy, judicial release, resentencing efforts, and other legal mechanisms. As the operational backbone of the project, you will help support a docket of approximately 10-13 active client matters annually, working closely with attorneys to coordinate records gathering, develop rehabilitation portfolios and reentry plans, maintain case files, and help keep cases moving forward.

In addition, as the Part-Time Paralegal you will:

• Support client intake, case development, records gathering, and case tracking for Beyond Guilt matters.
• Assemble rehabilitation portfolios and assist with developing reentry and release plans for clients seeking parole, judicial release, resentencing, or other forms of relief.
• Coordinate prison visits, maintain relationships with housing and service providers, and support communication with clients, families, and community partners.
• Assist attorneys with legal filings, exhibits, memoranda, submissions to the Parole Board, and other case preparation activities.
• Participate in case strategy discussions, provide input on client matters, and help maintain case files and deadlines within Clio and other case management systems.
• Support outreach, educational presentations, internship activities, and other OJPC projects as needed based on experience and organizational needs.

Qualifications:

• Paralegal experience, paralegal certification, or equivalent experience in legal, social services, reentry, or other related fields.
• Strong organizational, communication, and time-management skills with the ability to manage deadlines and multiple matters simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with attorneys, staff, clients, families, community partners, and other stakeholders.
• Commitment to social justice and the ability to work respectfully and effectively with diverse populations, including individuals impacted by the criminal legal system.
• Experience with criminal legal system records, parole or post-conviction advocacy, reentry services, housing resources, or case management systems such as Clio is preferred.
• Personal experience with, or close proximity to, the criminal legal system is valued. Returning citizens are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Ohio Justice & Policy Center creates fair, intelligent, and redemptive criminal justice systems through zealous, client-centered advocacy, innovative policy reform, and cross-sector community education. Founded in Cincinnati in 1997, OJPC is a statewide nonprofit law office focused on reducing incarceration, improving conditions inside prisons, and expanding freedom and opportunity for people impacted by the criminal legal system.

Part-time, non-exempt position: 20-25 hours per week. Salary range: $26,000-$28,000, commensurate with experience.