Family Law Paralegal

Definition:  Under the supervision of the Managing Attorney, provide legal assistance, forms preparation, advocacy and intake in family law matters for individual clients.

Duties:

• Perform telephone intake on potential clients for services at our Family Law Assistance Project. 
• Assist in the preparation of family law-related legal papers (Judicial Council forms, pleadings, etc. using Lawyaw)
• Assist with the recruitment and scheduling of volunteers
• Maintain client files in an orderly and professional manner
• Track progress of client cases and maintain case files in computer database program, including data entry and retrieval. 
• Conduct legal research
• Attend appropriate training sessions, seminars, and staff meetings.
• Perform and/or assist with a variety of office duties as needed, including, but not limited to: photocopying, mailing, and scanning documents
• Perform additional duties as assigned consistent with qualifications. 

Knowledge:

• Law office and administrative practices and procedures
• Correct business English and legal terminology, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation
• Interviewing techniques and counseling methods
• Listening and problem solving methods
• Windows-based computer applications and Judicial Council Forms programs (Lawyaw)
• Operation of standard office equipment
• Familiarity with Sacramento-area community resources and organizations

Skills:

• Ability to communicate in a professional and courteous manner
• Good proof-reading and ability to write with correct English, spelling, grammar, and punctuation
• Ability to communicate and interact effectively with the public, agencies, employees, volunteers, and clients
• Ability to relate to low-income clients and legal communities
• Ability to work independently and accept supervision and correction

Education/Experience:

Minimum of three (3) years recent work experience as a certified California paralegal working in a law practice handling issues in the area of family law required.  Two (2) years prior work experience dealing with the public, especially low-income individuals preferred.  Bilingual preferred but not required.   

Compensation:  Starting at $21/hour at 15 hours/week, DOE.