Paralegal – Renters Small Claims Project

Position:

Paralegal –

Renters Small Claims Project

Location:

Ron Olson Justice Center

Salary:

$41,846.15 to $52,147.92/ DOE with excellent benefits

Availability:

Immediately

Application Deadline:

Continuous until position is filled.

About the Position:

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 Project: Renters Small Claims Project: This is a project meant to address an unmet need Los Angeles renters have regarding both small claims defense to claims for COVID-period rental debt, and renters’ affirmative small claims suits for unreturned security deposits, habitability issues and other unlawful landlord practices.

LAFLA is currently accepting applications for the position of Paralegal – Renters Small Claims Project.

NOTE – This position is part of a special program created using designated funds. There is no assurance of ongoing funding or employment beyond December 31, 2023.

Qualifications:

A four (4) year degree or Paralegal Certificate;
One (1) year relevant work experience preferred;
Experience in providing assistance to low-income or homeless individuals, including interviewing;
Experience working in diverse poverty law issues preferred;
Some knowledge of housing law or small claims process preferred;
Self-motivated, takes initiative, ability to learn quickly;
Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
Organized, with ability to work on high-volume caseload;
Ability to be flexible in job duties; and
Bilingual in Spanish or another language strongly preferred.

Examples of Duties:

Work in conjunction with staff attorney in all facets of the project;
Moderate and participate in workshops, clinics, and outreach events held both virtually and in-person;
Perform intake for potential clients using case management system;
Interview, counsel, and follow up with clients on the small claims process;
Work closely with pro bono department and volunteers to schedule and manage clinics;
Some research and development of materials, translation if applicable;
Administrative responsibilities, including data and outcomes tracking; and
Other duties as assigned.

How to Apply:

Please submit a cover letter and resume online to smjobs@lafla.org. Include “Paralegal -Renters Small Claim Project” 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 & 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. Employees may also qualify for bilingual supplements, law student loan reimbursements, and a cell phone stipend.