Paralegal / Legal Services

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

Paralegal - Legal Services

Advancing Justice – Asian Law Caucus

Based in San Francisco, CA 

Non-Exempt, Full-time, Regular  position
Applications are due by September 24, 2021

The Opportunity

Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Asian Law Caucus (Advancing Justice-ALC)  seeks a full-time paralegal to support attorneys providing legal services to low-income clients, many of whom are Limited English Proficient (LEP) and immigrants. This position plays a key role in advocating for and providing robust client support to our clients. Essential duties and responsibilities include: conducting intakes including conflict checks, interviewing new clients, and providing interpretation support; identifying and assessing legal issues; preparing briefs, discovery, forms and correspondence; filing documents with the courts, maintaining case documents and updating data for grant reporting; and conducting legal research. The paralegal will work under the supervision of the Housing Rights Program Manager and take additional direction from the Immigrant Rights Program Manager.

The Organization 

Advancing Justice - ALC is the nation’s first legal organization focusing on advancing and defending the civil rights of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (APIs). Since 1972, Advancing Justice – ALC has preserved affordable housing in San Francisco’s Chinatown, litigated high-profile civil rights cases, advocated for the passage of landmark policy changes, and provided an array of services, including community education, advocacy, and direct client representation to further the rights of low-income immigrants and communities of color. Current program areas include Housing Rights, Immigrant Rights, Criminal Justice Reform, National Security & Civil Rights, Workers’ Rights, and Voting Rights.

Advancing Justice - ALC is based in San Francisco, a hub of the Asian American rights movement, progressive politics, and social justice activism. Our location in Chinatown is the first mixed-use, affordable housing co-op in San Francisco, serving as a model for preserving affordable housing in the city and protecting tenants’ rights. 

Responsibilities

The paralegal provides legal, administrative, and programmatic support to the Housing and Immigrant rights attorneys. Day-to day responsibilities in this dynamic position vary, and include:

Client Services 

• Conducting screening and intake interviews with new clients and obtaining necessary documentation
• Providing limited service to clients under supervision of attorneys
• Conducting follow-up and maintain consistent, regular communication with clients
• Scheduling and calendaring appointments with clients
• Recording and updating client demographic information in database
• Maintaining client files and other documentation 
• Entering data to support program evaluation, outcome tracking and grant reporting
• Providing interpretation among clients, attorneys and volunteers
• Supporting clients to understand and navigate the legal process

   

Legal Support  

• Drafting correspondence and client letters 
• Preparing and executing retainers
• Filing documents with the courts including e-filing and ensuring service of legal documents and correspondence
• Assisting in responding to and propounding discovery
• Under attorney supervision, preparing responsive pleadings, stay of execution requests, other ex parte applications, noticed motions, and other necessary pleadings
• Conducting factual investigations
• Providing deposition and trial support 
• Working with attorneys and other staff to train and supervise volunteers and interns
• Performing legal research including court rules, case law, and applicable statutes
• Assisting with administrative and clerical duties such as calendaring, copying and filing; update cases on multiple databases; processing invoices

Required Qualifications

• Bilingual in Cantonese and English
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice
• Excellent written, verbal and communication skills
• Well-organized, highly motivated, and creative problem-solver
• Able to work independently and in a team-oriented environment
• Able to work on several projects simultaneously, and handle high volume and pace of activity
• Patient, flexible, and kind 
• Administrative experience, including proficient to intermediate skills with Microsoft Office/Adobe and other common computer programs 
• Bachelor’s degree and/or paralegal certificate preferred

   

Highly Desirable

• Knowledge of legal issues related to poverty 
• Experience working with individuals having disabilities or those experiencing a crisis
• Experience working in a non-profit legal service or other direct service environment

The position requires working with individuals during moments of extreme stress and instability. The position also requires the provision of culturally-sensitive and empathetic services. Furthermore, because of the nature of the intake work, the employee is expected to be in the office during normal business hours. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required.

Compensation and Benefits

This is a full-time, non-exempt position. The annual compensation range starts at $61,000 - $64,654, depending on experience. Advancing Justice-ALC offers a generous benefits package that includes full individual health, dental, and vision plan coverage, life insurance, and a 401k plan. The terms and conditions of employment may be governed in part by the terms of a collective bargaining agreement.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit via email to:

jobs @ advancingjustice-alc.org (as PDF attachments), including the following:

1. Cover letter explaining your interest in the position
2. Resume
3. Writing sample (no more than 10 pages)
4. Three professional references

    

Please indicate “Paralegal - Legal Services” in the subject line.  

Advancing Justice – Asian Law Caucus is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply, regardless of race, color, creed, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, age, height, weight, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression, disability, HIV status, marital or domestic partner status, or religious affiliation.