Paralegal (Supporting Families Workgroup)
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 Supporting Families Workgroup (SFWG) helps and represents survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in obtaining restraining orders, and orders for custody, dissolution, visitation, and support. It also assists and represents undocumented survivors of domestic violence, torture, human trafficking, and other serious abuse in removal proceedings and before USCIS; and helps and represents individuals before USCIS to become U.S. Citizens.
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 24 Months
· A four (4) year degree required; and
· Paralegal certificate or one (1) year relevant work experience required;
· Experience in providing assistance to the poverty population, including experience in interviewing clients;
· Demonstrated knowledge of family and civil law;
· Self-motivated, takes initiative, ability to learn quickly;
· Commitment and sensitivity to serving the needs of domestic violence survivors and other clients in crisis;
· Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
· Ability to meet deadlines and perform multiple tasks while maintaining attention to detail;
· Ability to be flexible in job duties and willingness to assume responsibility quickly;
· Bilingual proficiency in Spanish preferred;
· Demonstrated knowledge of of custody/visitation, restraining order and domestic violence legal issues; and
· Familiarity with immigration law a plus.
Examples of Duties:· Screen potential clients for program eligibility and suitability and assist with the intake process at LAFLA’s domestic violence clinics;
· Interview and counsel clients, perform investigative work and prepare legal forms and client’s declarations under attorney supervision;
· Provide support to staff attorneys on their family law and immigration cases; and
· Work collaboratively with court personnel and community partners.
Please submit a cover letter and resume online to sfwgjobs@lafla.org. Include “Paralegal-Supporting Families” in the subject line.
INTRODUCTORY PERIOD – A one-year 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.
NOTE: LAFLA requires all staff 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. You will be required to submit proof that you are fully vaccinated upon hire.
Benefits & CompensationLAFLA offers a diverse environment with competitive compensation based on comparable public interest salaries. We also offer a generous benefits package for full-time employees including medical, dental, and vision for employees and dependents, life insurance, long-term disability, long-term care insurance, and 403(b) retirement plan. Employees may also qualify for bilingual supplements, law student loan reimbursements, and a cell phone stipend. Please visit https://lafla.org/get-involved/careers for our salary scale for union, non-management staff.