Paralegal (Veterans Justice Center)
POSITION: Paralegal – Veterans Justice Center
LOCATION: South Los Angeles Community Office*
SALARY: $41,846-$43,729/ DOE with excellent benefits
AVAILABILITY: Immediately
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Continuous until position is filled.
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 healthy, 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 puts 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 Veterans Justice Center advocates on behalf of Veterans to obtain life-sustaining income, health, and housing benefits; dismiss tickets and expunge convictions so Veterans can have a fresh start; upgrade unjust less-than-honorable military discharges; and prevent Veteran homelessness.
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.
*Assigned location is subject to change during course of employment.
- A four (4) year degree or Paralegal Certificate;
- One (1) year relevant work experience preferred;
- Ability to communicate courteously and professionally with LAFLA's client population and LAFLA staff;
- Ability to handle the stress of working with individuals in crisis;
- Excellent written and oral communication skills;
- Self-motivated, takes initiative , ability to learn quickly;
- Excellent time management and organization skills with keen attention to detail;
- Ability to think critically and work effectively as apart of a team;
- Demonstrated ability to interact and communicate with diverse populations with tact and sensitivity; and
- Knowledge of, and experience with, the military, veterans benefits, eviction defense, and record expungement issues are a plus.
- Determine and document applicants’ eligibility for LAFLA’s services;
- Conduct client interviews over the phone or in person;
- Provide counsel and advice under attorney supervision;
- Organize and maintain intake and referral streams;
- Work effectively as part of a team, including pro bono and staff attorneys, support staff, and partner organizations;
- Draft pleadings, declarations, letters, and other documents;
- Participate in clinics and other community outreach projects in person and virtually at locations including the West Los Angeles VA Campus;
- Organize, review and analyze high volumes of materials in a variety of media;
- Conduct legal research and draft memorandum, gather client documents; and
- Other duties as assigned.
HOW TO APPLY - Please submit a cover letter and resume online to spwgjobs@lafla.org. Include “Paralegal-Veterans Justice Center” in the subject line.
INTRODUCTORY PERIOD - A nine-month introductory period will be required.
VACCINATION POLICY AND COVID-19 PROTOCOLS - LAFLA requires all staff, including new hires, to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 (i.e., at least 2 weeks after last dose) and have received at least one COVID-19 booster shot. If hired, all employees must present proof of vaccination by their start date.
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.
The company is committed to equal employment opportunity and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified candidates and employees pursuant to applicable law. We value and encourage diversity and solicit applications from all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. If you require reasonable accommodation as part of the application process or expect to require an accommodation if hired, please contact humanresources@lafla.org.
BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION - LAFLA 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, and long-term care insurance, and 403(b) retirement plan. Eligible employees may also qualify for bilingual supplements, law student loan reimbursements, and a cell phone stipend.