VLSP Paralegal

Description The Volunteer Legal Services Program (VLSP) at Community Legal Aid improves access to justice by encouraging and supporting pro bono attorneys who provide legal services to low income clients of Community Legal Aid. VLSP connects more than 1000 clients each year to pro bono attorneys for legal representation.

Under the supervision of the Managing Attorney, the VLSP Paralegal will assist in the provision of comprehensive, high quality legal services to eligible clients in civil cases in accordance with organizational policies and the Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct.

Requirements

The VLSP Paralegal will have a primary role in the maintenance of volunteer relationships, serving as the primary point of contact for volunteers and ensuring that they are well supported and that they feel that their time is well spent. The VLSP Paralegal will understand and comply with specific regulations concerning tracking and documentation of volunteer efforts and timekeeping.

The VLSP Paralegal will be involved in the recruitment and recognition of volunteer lawyers who provide pro bono or reduced fee representation to low income clients. Volunteer Support: The VLSP Paralegal will be involved in scheduling, arranging and supporting special events such as team meetings, continuing legal education trainings, donor receptions, community education presentations, clinics and reporting and compliance calendars.

Professional Support: The VLSP Paralegal will be called upon to provide support in a wide variety of civil cases, including interviewing and screening of clients, working with clients to gather relevant documents, drafting of letters, affidavits, basic legal pleadings and other documents, tracking case status and ensuring that deadlines are met, and otherwise assisting attorneys.

Pro Se Assistance: The VLSP Paralegal will screen cases according to established criteria and distribute relevant community legal education material as appropriate and will assist clinic participants and clients in the preparation of routine legal forms. Project Management: The VLSP Paralegal may be asked to assume a leadership role in management of specific projects.

Such role will include developing project plans, coordination and oversight of efforts of staff and volunteers, ensuring that required data is gathered, and preparation of reports. Community Advocacy: The VLSP Paralegal will play a role in furthering the firm’s advocacy agenda in the community through service on local or statewide committees or boards and by establishing new and maintaining existing community collaborations.

Team Participation and Administration: The VLSP Paralegal will be an active participant in planning, documenting and evaluating the work of the team. The VLSP Paralegal will play a central role in grant compliance and report preparation. The VLSP Paralegal will also be assigned office administration duties such as maintenance of escrow account, ordering of supplies, reception duties, etc.

Qualifications

Demonstrated interest in and sensitivity to the legal needs of the poor as well as motivation to improve the condition of the poor Ability to represent Community Legal Aid and to advocate for its mission

• Professional attitude excellent interpersonal skills, dependability, and a high desire to contribute to an effective and collaborative work environment
• Independent worker with excellent analytical and organizational skills who can think systemically, who has the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines, and who can plan projects, manage their execution, and document results
• First rate oral and written skills
• Thorough working knowledge of all computer programs and office machines used by the firm and ability to learn new programs and machines as required
• Willingness and ability to work flexible hours to suit the needs of clients and the firm, specifically the ability to work into the early evening to conduct intake screening by telephone or at clinics and possible work at a Saturday morning clinic
• Although not absolutely required, a college degree is preferable
• Notary public or ability to become one immediately following hiring
• Ability to speak Spanish is highly desirable Salary: $42,800.00+ D.O.E. Excellent working conditions plus generous benefits package. Community Legal Aid Services is an equal opportunity employer. Minorities and women are encouraged to apply.