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Paralegal

Description: 

 

Be a critical member in a team of social justice advocates! The Public Justice Center in Baltimore is seeking a paralegal for its Human Right to Housing team.

The Public Justice Center (“PJC”) and Human Right to Housing Project

The Public Justice Center pursues systemic change to build a just society. Founded in Maryland in 1985, the PJC uses legal advocacy tools to pursue social justice, economic and racial equity, and fundamental human rights for people who are struggling to provide for their basic needs. The PJC is a civil legal aid office that provides advice and representation to low-income clients, advocates before legislatures and government agencies, and collaborates with community and advocacy organizations.  www.publicjustice.org.

The Human Right to Housing Project seeks the realization of a human right to housing that is fair, affordable, habitable, and accessible, with security of tenure and cultural adequacy.  The Human Right to Housing Team develops and implements its project priorities with the goal of dismantling white supremacy and advancing race equity.  Project attorneys and paralegals provide legal services to low-income tenants in eviction and habitability cases, collaborate with community organizing partners to build tenant power, and advocate in state and local legislatures and government agencies for tenants’ rights.  The paralegal will report to an attorney on the housing team.

COVID-19 Info: As long as there is a state of emergency during the pandemic, this position and most PJC positions will be working remotely most of the time, and will be required to come to the office, the courts, or other public meetings only as necessary. The PJC is providing PPE for employees and guests and maintaining other risk reduction measures in the office.

Core Duties:

•         Assists attorneys with ongoing litigation support including case investigation, researching public records, filing legal documents, drafting documents, assisting in document review and document management, and data entry and reporting.

•         Conducts telephone and in-person intake, interviews clients, opens and maintains electronic and paper case files, participates in fact gathering and appropriate referral, brief service, or advocacy.

•         Collaborates with community-based organizations on outreach and grassroots organizing.

•         25% of the time on this position is devoted to providing general administrative and office support for nonprofit law office, shared with other paralegals.

•         Assists with special advocacy and research projects on prioritized subjects.

•         Other duties as assigned.

 

Requirements: 

 

Desired Skills and Experience

The following qualifications are valued for this position. Applicants should also identify other related or supplementary skills and experiences.

 ·         Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited school or a combination of associate degree, Paralegal Certificate, and/or demonstrated skills in writing, research, analysis, and communications.

·         Spanish/English bilingual (or proficient) in writing and speaking is strongly preferred.

·         Passion for social justice and commitment to the vision of the Public Justice Center.

·         Understanding of the principles of race equity analysis and their application to the PJC’s organizational life and to our work.

·         Attention to detail and keen organization skills.

·         Ability to work under deadline and manage multiple tasks.

·         Experience with our client communities, including lived experience.

·         Ability to empathize and sensitively respond to people seeking services in crisis situations.

·         Experience in law office/litigation support.

·         Communications experience with social media and advocacy campaigns.

·         Excellent use of MS Outlook, Word and Excel; database programs a plus.

·         Strong problem-solving abilities, time management, and organizational skills.

·         Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with others both in and outside of the PJC, including client, other advocacy organizations, coalitions members, government officials, and attorneys.

 

To Apply: 

Compensation:

This is a full-time, non-exempt position that will require 40 hours in a workweek. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required. This position may require local travel. The salary range for a paralegal with one to five years of experience is $40,000 to $50,000 and increases with experience.  A language bonus of $1,000/year is given to Spanish/English bilingual staff. An excellent cafeteria benefit package is included offering health, dental, disability and life insurance, and retirement options.

Applications:

Applications should be submitted by August 19, 2020, to be assured of consideration, but applications will be accepted, and interviews conducted, on a rolling basis until position is filled. To apply, please submit, by email only, a cover letter explaining your interest, resume, one writing sample and the names and telephone numbers of three references. Please send applications to Matt Hill, hillm@publicjustice.org with “Housing Paralegal applicant” in the subject line.

Physical/Mental Demands and Office Environment

The physical/mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The Public Justice Center is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer that encourages all interested persons to apply regardless of race, color, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, citizenship, creed, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, age, religion, genetic information, physical or mental disability, marital status, or any other legally protected status. We strongly encourage Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and other applicants of color, people with disabilities, and other people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply.

 

Information

Submission Deadline: 
August 19, 2020
Organization Information: 
Public Justice Center
1 N Charles Street Suite 200
Baltimore, MD 21201
United States
Phone: (410) 625-9409