Cobb County Pro Bono Paralegal

The Atlanta Legal Aid Society, Inc., a 75 lawyer non-profit law firm for low income persons with civil legal problems in the 5-county metropolitan Atlanta area, seeks a pro bono paralegal to work in its Cobb County office in downtown Marietta.  Cobb Legal Aid is comprised of a managing attorney, 6 full time attorneys, a pro bono director, one part-time attorneys, and support staff.  In addition to in-house staff attorneys representing clients, Cobb Legal Aid refers out cases to pro bono attorneys who volunteer their time and expertise. 

The pro bono paralegal will help facilitate the pro bono program, including the Cobb TPO Project.  This specialty project refers low income survivors of domestic violence, stalking and elder abuse to pro bono attorneys for representation at their TPO hearings in Cobb Superior Court. The pro bono paralegal is responsible for a range of activities, including: completing database intake and initial, detailed client interviews; working with and developing relationships with pro bono attorneys; meeting attorneys and clients in Court every week to complete documents; managing all referrals from TPO Project partners; providing clients with detailed information under attorney supervision; following up with clients to provide comprehensive services; referring clients to other resources; working collaboratively with other agencies and organizations; attending relevant meetings, events and trainings; organizing required data for grants; and assisting in preparation of periodic reports.

Other pro bono paralegal duties include file management from initial opening to archiving; tracking and closing volunteer cases; volunteer management, including maintenance of volunteer contact information and case assignment; assisting staff with case investigation, document preparation and organization; supporting attorneys in their client representation; and other paralegal work as needed.

Qualifications: The majority of the pro bono paralegal’s time is spent communicating with clients who are in stressful situations. Thus, qualified candidates must possess excellent communication, writing and interpersonal skills.  Patience, listening skills, ability to work in a team, resourcefulness, adaptability, and ability to work with a diverse population are required.  Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and willingness to learn other programs as necessary is required. A paralegal certificate or degree is preferred but not required. Previous experience in family law or working with low-income persons and/or survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault or elder abuse is strongly preferred.