Paralegal (Litigation Support)

DUTIES:

• Under attorney supervision, provide litigation support to include drafting pleadings, discovery, document management, and general case management;
• Prepare a variety of legal documents and correspondence relating to civil litigation matters under attorney supervision;
• Conduct legal research and prepare law and motion documents under attorney supervision;
• Assist and provide support to attorneys as they prepare for trial;
• Interview, assist, and otherwise provide high quality services to clients consistent with CCLS program priorities;
• Participate in weekly CCLS case review meetings;
• Interface with other CCLS and California advocates on issues of mutual interest;
• Participate with client groups and community-based service providers;
• Carry out CCLS policies and procedures;
• Attend training and keep abreast of changes in the law;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Prior experience providing litigation support to attorneys in a formal law firm, legal department, or equivalent setting is required;
• Prior experience in legal research and the preparation of legal documents in civil actions;
• Maintain and schedule dates and deadlines in a case management system for timely filing of documents for court and administrative hearings and for the completion of tasks by attorneys;
• Demonstrate a genuine interest in the needs and legal rights of low-income people and elderly or disabled persons;
• Ability to follow case review policies and procedures;
• Knowledge of the principles and procedures of court proceedings;
• Knowledge of, or ability to learn, areas of law practiced by the organization;
• Ability to conduct client interviews, investigations, legal research, analytical reasoning ability, case review and problem solving;
• Superior interpersonal, oral and written communication skills;
• Ability to work closely with others in a small unit setting:  a commitment to teamwork is essential; 
• Ability to work effectively with diverse groups of individuals and organizations including ability to provide leadership within a culturally diverse environment; must maintain effective interpersonal relationships at all organizational levels and with the public;
• Competency/experience with PC systems and standard software (Microsoft Office, Access, Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and other relevant databases);
• Reliable transportation, a valid CA Drivers’ License with appropriate car insurance.

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Education, training and experience sufficient to meet the requirements of Business & Professions Code § 6450, including documentation of at least one of the following:

• A certificate of completion of a paralegal program approved by the American Bar Association;
• A certificate of completion of a paralegal program, or a degree from a postsecondary institution that requires the successful completion of a minimum of 24 semester (or equivalent) units in law-related courses and that has been accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization or approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education;
• A baccalaureate degree or an advanced degree in any subject, 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;
• A high school diploma or general equivalency diploma, a minimum of three years 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.