The Consumer Defense Team Staff Paralegal will work as a member of the Consumer Defense team to serve low-income residents and seniors. This full-time, non-exempt position reports to the Supervising Attorney and is based in the Santa Ana office. 

Responsibilities 

• Maintain caseload of consumer defense-related matters, under attorney supervision. 
• Work with attorney to prepare cases for trial.  
• Participate in negotiation & settlement discussion with adverse parties and their legal representatives, under attorney supervision.
• Prepare for, facilitate, and provide interpretation for presentations at weekly workshops in Norwalk and Santa Ana.
• Prepare legal work under the supervision of an attorney. 
• Maintain detailed and accurate case notes and timekeeping in case management system (LegalServer). 
• Assist attorney with intake and initial client appointments. 
• Prepare and maintain client files, electronic and/or physical. 
• Interview clients and efficiently communicate with clients including accurately relaying legal advice provided by the attorney.  
• Prepare legal forms, pleadings, memoranda, correspondence, and other legal documents. Assist with citation checking. 
• Assist attorneys with case investigation, witness interviews, factual and legal research. 
• Perform various clerical duties such as record-keeping, document copying, e-Filing, etc. 
• Preserve confidentiality of attorney-client relationship.  
• Engage in interpretation and translation for attorneys. 
• Work with community groups, conduct outreach, and provide community education presentations and materials. 
• Work with a multi-cultural perspective of inclusion and diversity.   
• Work with and mentor paralegal and law students, interns, and volunteers. 
• May be required to work at clinics and/or workshops located in local courts, CLA SoCal offices, or at partner agencies. 
• Perform other duties as required to meet the needs of the organization. 

• Paralegal certificate, paralegal degree or  
• Bachelor’s degree and 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. 
• Knowledge of Civil Litigation and Consumer Defense- Preferred. 
• Experience working in a high-volume environment - Preferred. 
• Knowledge of legal software programs used to prepare California Judicial Council Forms - Preferred. 
• Bilingual Spanish-speaking proficiency – Required. 
• Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, active insurance policy or other ability to travel frequently in and around the service area for representation and to engage with clients and community partners - Required.   
• Strong technical skills; including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams).  
• Excellent analytical, communication, listening skills, and writing skills. 
• Ability to work well under pressure. 
• Self-motivated, ability to learn quickly, initiative to problem-solve. 
• Capacity to meet strict deadlines. 
• Great organizational skills with keen attention to detail. 
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment. 
• Empathetic and energetic attitude while working with others. 
• Ability to interact with a wide range of clients utilizing client-centered lawyering and trauma-informed frameworks. 
• Ability to model CLA SoCal’s values (compassion, collaboration, trust, accountability, equity) in the performance of job duties -Required. 
• Commitment to CLA SoCal’s mission – Required. 
• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required as a condition of employment before date of hire. Reasonable accommodations will be considered upon request.  

Holistic Benefits

CLA SoCal provides employees with training, professional development and growth opportunities, competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and a collaborative team spirit. Our staff members work a 35-hour week with a flexible and hybrid work schedule. Some positions may work beyond a 35-hour week, including evening and weekend meetings and events, when caseload or other obligations necessitate. We offer an outstanding benefits package with rich medical/dental/vision/life insurance, long-term disability, and additional supplemental insurance. Our employees enjoy 16 paid holidays a year, vacation, personal time, and sick leave on their first day. Furthermore, we offer a competitive Law School Loan Reimbursement program, 401k with employer contribution, and a monetary bonus for eligible employees who can prove bilingual proficiency.  

About Community Legal Aid and Our Commitment to Justice, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion 

Community Legal Aid SoCal (CLA SoCal) is a diverse non-profit organization dedicated to meeting the legal needs of low-income residents and seniors throughout Orange and Los Angeles Counties. We focus on removing barriers to equitable access and provide compassionate, high-quality legal aid. CLA SoCal is an Equal Opportunity employer who seeks to fill all positions with people who share our values, including our organizational commitment to diversity. We strongly encourage all interested individuals to apply including people of different abilities, religions, identities, orientations, nationalities, and ethnicities.

Please note research suggests that individuals identifying as Black, Latinx, Asian, Pacific Islander, Indigenous, members of the LGBTQIA community, women, and people living with disabilities may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills to thrive at CLA SoCal to apply for this role.