Paralegal

PURPOSE OF THIS POSITION:

The Center for Social Justice (CSJ) is looking for a highly motivated individual to provide paralegal and administrative support to its legal programs, initiatives, and office operations. The CSJ operates free legal services programs for the community, including the Consumer Debt Initiative and CORI Sealing & Expungement Project, through which students at WNE Law may gain experiential learning opportunities. The CSJ also serves as a hub for public interest activity and innovative, interdisciplinary research and advocacy at WNE Law. The Paralegal works closely with the CSJ Director, Staff Attorney, law students, volunteers, and clients, exercising sound judgment, maintaining strict confidentiality, and managing multiple priorities in a faced-past legal and academic setting.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

The Paralegal provides day-to-day paralegal and administrative support to CSJ staff across programs and office operations. Of note, this includes assisting the Director with important development tasks, such as grant-reporting, and providing logistical support at events.

Paralegal & Client Support

• Draft, file, and serve court documents, including motions, discovery requests, pleadings, petitions, and affidavits.
• Prepare case files and case lists for weekly court sessions.
• Process intakes and court outcomes.
• Maintain and update case management system, databases, and files.
• Manage client appointments, make client calls, and schedule appointment reminders; communicate with clients regarding court dates and case updates.
• Manage legal program calendars, including scheduling critical dates, deadlines, and case-related appointments.
• Communicate accurately and professionally with opposing parties regarding case matters.
• Screen and process incoming mail; manage and send outgoing mail.
• Request and obtain documents relating to client representation.
• Assist with coordinating volunteer recruitment and training.
• Attend court hearings when needed to support CSJ attorneys and law students.

Administrative & Operational Support

• Compile, organize, and process data for grant reports and applications, including pulling data from case management systems.
• Prepare weekly court reports and monthly program reports by compiling data on case status and outcomes.
• Assist Director with maintaining financial and grant-related records.
• Provide logistical and administrative support for CSJ events and programming on campus and in the community.
• Support efforts to strengthen relationships with the local community to broaden the CSJ’s impact and reach.
• Perform other administrative and clerical duties, including answering/directing telephone calls and emails, taking detailed messages, and assigning follow-up; filing, copying, and scanning documents; organizing physical and digital files; drafting routine correspondence; ordering and monitoring office supplies; and other tasks as assigned.

TO APPLY:

All interested candidates will be required to submit a cover letter and resume with their completed online application.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITIES:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Paralegal certificate preferred.
• Three (3) years of paralegal experience preferred, or an equivalent combination of related education and/or experience.
• Commitment to working in the public interest.
• Demonstrated understanding of the nature of working with underserved communities.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills with a high level of professionalism.
• Fluency in Spanish and the ability to translate spoken and written words is preferred.
• Analytical skills, sound judgment, and excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to work collaboratively, proactively, and flexibly in a fast-paced legal environment.
• Proficiency with technology, computers, Microsoft Office, and Adobe Pro.
• Proficiency with Clio, Canva, and/or generative AI is a plus.
• Ability to travel across Massachusetts, including to Springfield District Court and around the greater Springfield area for events.

ERGONOMIC REQUIREMENTS:

Usual office environment/equipment

HOURS:

Exempt: Hours as needed to complete job responsibilities.

Western New England University is committed to enhancing diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging by acknowledging and embracing diversity of thought, opinion, and approach with colleagues regardless of background, culture, and organizational level. WNE encourages diversity in our job applicants to ensure the best culture and work outcomes.