PARALEGAL

Description

POSITION TITLE: PARALEGAL

Reports to: Supervising Attorney 

Salary: $27.04/hr.-$42.12/hr. (based on experience and qualifications)

Job Snapshot  

Paralegal supports attorneys by drafting documents, managing case files, coordinating with clients & agencies and assisting in court preparation. Paralegals play a vital role in ensuring that clients at Children’s Law Center of California receive legal support and resources that are needed. 

Your Impact on the Mission – Excellence in Advocacy

• Accessibility during regular business hours (8:00 AM to 5:00 PM) to perform job duties, with the ability to maintain timeliness in arrival to work.  

• Review dependency petitions, minute orders, and reports, and redact confidential information related to clients. 

• Prepare subpoenas and serve subpoenas.

• Prepare motions and briefs at the attorney’s request and file at the Courthouse. 

• Prepare legal guardianship papers at the attorney’s request. 

• Attend and advocate at outside court or administrative hearings, which may include 241.1 hearings in juvenile delinquency court, and promptly report back results to the case carrying attorney. 

• Prepare paperwork and filings related to name changes and amending birth certificates and attend/participate in name change hearings in civil court. 

• Prepare and file writs, appeals and joinders at the Court of Appeal.  

• Calendar writs, appeals and joinder due dates and oral argument dates. 

• Track all documents pertaining to and progress of writ and appeals cases. 

• Prepare adoption referrals, subpoenas, restraining orders, juvenile dependency petitions, custody orders, educational needs forms and other documents as directed by attorneys.   

• Organize and maintain paper and electronic files. 

• If bilingual, assist attorneys with translations during status checks for non-English speaking clients and caretakers. 

• Communicate regularly with attorneys regarding status of assignments. 

• Attend and participate in training sessions and complete California requirements to maintain Paralegal certification. 

• Attend all staff meetings. 

• Advise Writ Attorney Supervisor when away from desk during business hours. 

• Exercise discretion and independent judgment at meetings, conferences and hearings when the sole representative of CLC.

• Continuous learning: staying informed and adapting evolving social dynamics to better engage and support clients from all backgrounds.   

Requirements

The Assets You Possess/Essential Qualifications   

• Possess a Paralegal certificate from an accredited educational institution or have 3 years prior work experience as a Paralegal. 

• Proficiency in the usage of Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook. 

• Proficiency in research, writing, and communication skills  

• Ability to be professional, courteous, and empathetic when working with other CLC staff.  

• Possess a collaborative and adaptable attitude with practice and supportive approach.  

• A valid California driver’s license, reliable automobile, and auto insurance are required while working for Children’s Law Center.

Perks + Benefits Employees of CLC Enjoy:

Health + Wellbeing

• Employee Assistance Program

• Company-Sponsored Benefits (Medical, Dental, Life Insurance) *

• Up to 6% employer matched retirement plan*

• Generous Parental Leave + Additional Leave Options* 

• Fitness/Wellness Program*

• Health Care & Dependent Day Care FSA * 

• Transit + Parking Benefits * 

Growth + Development

• Durfee Professional Development funds are available for all employees, in good standing, who have been with CLC for at least two years.

Flexibility + Additional 

• Flexible working environment (depending on position requirements)

• Paid vacation/sick/holiday time

• CLC will pay the current year’s mandatory bar dues for all attorneys actively employed on the date bar dues are owed and who have no known plans to end employment with CLC within 30 days of the due date. CLC will also pay bar dues for new admittees who are actively employed on their initial payment due date and have no known plans to end employment with CLC within 30 days of the due date. 

* Must meet eligibility requirements upon open enrollment

About CLC

CLC is the largest children's legal services organization in the nation, advocating for tens of thousands of children and youth in Los Angeles, Sacramento, and Placer County foster care systems. We are a powerful voice for our clients, fighting in and out of the courtroom for family reunification, permanence, educational opportunity, health and mental health services, self-sufficiency, and overall well-being. We want all of California’s children to have the support they need to succeed. We work to accomplish this goal through direct legal representation for children, multidisciplinary advocacy and support, and public policy.

Equal Employment Opportunity Commitment : All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, individual with disability, medical condition, marital status, ancestry, military status, veteran status, protected veteran status, genetics or any other legally protected group status or non-job related characteristic of an individual as directed by law.

Equal Employment Opportunity—Reasonable Accommodation Assistance: Children’s Law Center of California is committed to maintaining an environment of equal opportunity. If you need a reasonable accommodation to access the information provided by this organization, please contact [email protected] further assistance regarding job postings.