Paralegal (Bilingual) – Asian Pacific Islander (API) Community Outreach Project
Are you interested in joining an organization dedicated to increasing access to justice while addressing systemic inequities among the most vulnerable members of the greater Los Angeles area? If yes, LAFLA is the place for you!
The Organization: LAFLA is a nonprofit law firm that protects and advances the rights of the most underserved—leveling the playing field and ensuring that everyone can have access to the justice system. With more than 90 years of service, LAFLA is the first and most experienced legal aid organization in greater Los Angeles. LAFLA has more than 170 employees, including more than 80 attorneys, who provide free services and resources on a broad range of civil legal issues that impact health, safety, and self-sufficiency. Every year, LAFLA helps more than 100,000 people find their voice, regain control of their lives, and build a brighter future. Our unique combination of neighborhood offices, self-help centers at courthouses, and domestic violence clinics put LAFLA on the frontlines in communities at the forefront of change. LAFLA also engages in impact litigation to help enact long-term systemic change—actively collaborating with a network of public and private partners to expand access to justice, identify needs in the communities we serve, and change laws and policies that adversely affect the underserved. For more information, please visit www.lafla.org.
The API Community Outreach Project: The API Community Outreach Project provides linguistically accessible, culturally intelligent, and trauma-informed assistance to API clients in their preferred language with access to the full-range of legal services that LAFLA offers. The API Community Outreach Project is launching a new initiative to enhance multilingual outreach, services, information, and community education to non-dominant language users seeking assistance with unemployment insurance and related benefits, through relationships with partner organizations and ethnic media, as well as a wide range of accessible points of entry.
LAFLA is currently accepting applications for the position of Paralegal.
NOTE – This position is part of a special program created using designated funds. There is no assurance of ongoing funding or employment beyond 12 months.
Examples of Duties:
- Work in conjunction with the staff attorneys;
- Interview and counsel clients on various legal issues;
- Draft forms and pleadings such as applications for unemployment-related benefits, follow-up correspondence, evidence collection, and declarations;
- Participate in clinics, other community education and outreach, media projects, and collaborations with partner organizations;
- Coordinate and provide language support for services and activities;
- Work effectively as part of a team including other attorneys, support staff, and students; and
- Other duties as assigned.
- A four (4) year degree or Paralegal Certificate;
- One (1) year relevant work experience preferred;
- Bilingual in Asian language;
- Experience in providing assistance to low-income individuals, including interviewing;
- Experience working in diverse poverty law issues preferred;
- Some knowledge of unemployment benefits law preferred;
- Self-motivated, takes initiative, ability to learn quickly;
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
- Organized, with ability to work on high-volume caseload; and
- Ability to be flexible in job duties.
Please submit a cover letter and resume online to spwgjobs@lafla.org. Include “Paralegal-API” in the subject line.
INTRODUCTORY PERIOD – A nine-month probationary period will be required.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER – Selection will be based solely on merit and will be without discrimination because 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, medical condition, military or veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, marital or registered domestic partners status, or any other legally protected status.
VACCINATION POLICY AND COVID-19 PROTOCOLS
LAFLA requires all staff, including new hires, to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 with the exception of staff who are entitled to a reasonable accommodation due to a medical disability or sincerely held religious belief under the law, unless doing so would pose an undue hardship. Staff will be required to submit proof that you are fully vaccinated upon hire.