CCLS Paralegal - Affirmative Litigation

Affirmative Litigation Paralegal

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 Affirmative Litigation paralegal will provide civil litigation and advocacy support to the program, as directed by their supervisor. This will include, but not be limited to interviewing clients, assessing and investigating facts in a variety of cases, as well drafting various pleadings and legal documents. Though the primary focus will be civil litigation support the paralegal may also be asked to assist in arranging for, and managing, the training and education of the CCLS advocacy staff in their duties and responsibilities.

Duties

• Assist with drafting pleadings, discovery, document management, and general case management in housing cases;
• Interview, assist, and otherwise provide high quality services to clients consistent with CCLS program priorities;
• Participate in weekly CCLS case review meetings;
• Interface with other CCLS and California advocates on issues of mutual interest;
• Participate with client groups and community-based service providers;
• Carry out CCLS policies and procedures;
• Attend training and keep abreast of changes in the law;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Experience providing civil litigation support to attorneys in a law firm, legal department, or equivalent setting;
• Demonstrate a genuine interest in the needs and legal rights of low-income people and elderly or disabled persons;
• Ability to follow case review policies and procedures;
• Knowledge of the principles and procedures of court proceedings;
• Knowledge of, or ability to learn, law involving housing rights and tenant defense;
• Ability to conduct client interviews, investigations, legal research, analytical reasoning ability, case review and problem solving;
• Superior interpersonal, oral and written communication skills;
• Ability to work closely with others in a small unit setting: a commitment to teamwork is essential;
• 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.