Family Law Paralegal

Management Information Exchange; Fresno (CA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

7.5 hour work day / 37.5 hour week

Free wellness counseling & resources

Union protection for applicable roles

Annual pay increases

Overtime for hourly/non-exempt staff

Compensatory Time for salaried/exempt

School Loan Assistance up to $500/mo

Bilingual Pay up to $90/mo

Home internet reimbursement $25/mo

CCLS laptop & cell phone

CA State Bar dues paid

Mileage reimbursement

Job summary

Central California Legal Services (Main Branch) seeks a Family Law Paralegal to support case management from intake to trial, including drafting requests for domestic violence orders, child custody, dissolution, and more. The role screens for CCLS services and refers clients to community partners.

The position requires at least two years of family law experience, bilingual abilities preferred, and strong communication skills. Department: Litigation/Advocacy; Deadline: 12/16/26.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two (2) years’ experience in providing direct services in family law-related matters.
• Demonstrate a genuine interest in the needs and legal rights of low-income people.
• Knowledge of the principles and procedures of court hearings.
• Ability to conduct client interviews, investigations, legal research, analytical reasoning ability, case review and problem solving.
• Superior interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse groups of individuals and organizations including ability to provide leadership within a culturally diverse setting.
• Bilingual ability highly preferred (Spanish/English).
• Competency/experience with PC systems and standard software (MS Office, Access, Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and other relevant databases).
• Flexibility to work some nights and weekends as needed.
• Reliable transportation, a valid CA Driver’s License with appropriate car insurance.

Responsibilities

• Interview, assist and otherwise provide high-quality services to self-help litigants consistent with CCLS program priorities.
• Work with other CCLS advocates to ensure the delivery of high-quality legal services.
• Participate in weekly CCLS case review meetings.
• Identify and analyze systemic issues through individual casework, review of CCLS data and participation in statewide networks of legal services advocates.
• Interface with other CCLS and California advocates on issues of mutual interest.
• Participate with client groups and community-based service providers.
• Participate in community outreach and education events.
• Carry out CCLS policies and procedures.
• Attend training and keep abreast of changes in the law.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Spanish/English bilingual

Interpersonal communication

Written communication

Court hearings knowledge

Client interviews

Investigations

Analytical reasoning

Problem solving

PC skills (MS Office)

Education

ABA-approved paralegal certificate

Paralegal certificate with 24 law-related units

Bachelor or advanced degree with 1-year law experience + attorney declaration

High school diploma + 3 years law-related experience + attorney declaration

Tools

Microsoft Office

Access

Word

Excel

Outlook

PowerPoint

Job description

Under attorney supervision, the Family Law Paralegal will assist with case management from intake to trial, which may include, advice, representation, and/or drafting requests for domestic violence restraining orders, child custody, dissolution of marriage, spousal support, child support, special immigrant juvenile status, or other family law matters. The Paralegal will also screen for CCLS services and provide appropriate referrals to community partners.

DUTIES

• Interview, assist and otherwise provide high-quality services to self-help litigants consistent with CCLS program priorities;
• Work with other CCLS advocates to ensure the delivery of high-quality legal services;
• Participate in weekly CCLS case review meetings;
• Identify and analyze systemic issues through individual casework, review of CCLS data and participation in statewide networks of legal services advocates;
• Interface with other CCLS and California advocates on issues of mutual interest;
• Participate with client groups and community-based service providers;
• Participate in community outreach and education events;
• Carry out CCLS policies and procedures;
• Attend training and keep abreast of changes in the law;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of two (2) years’ experience in providing direct services in family law-related matters;
• Demonstrate a genuine interest in the needs and legal rights of low-income people;
• Knowledge of the principles and procedures of court hearings;
• Ability to conduct client interviews, investigations, legal research, analytical reasoning ability, case review and problem solving;
• Superior interpersonal, oral and written communication skills;
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse groups of individuals and organizations including ability to provide leadership within a culturally diverse
• Must maintain effective interpersonal relationships at all organizational levels and with the public;
• Bilingual ability highly preferred (Spanish/English);
• Competency/experience with PC systems and standard software (Microsoft Office, Access, Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and other relevant databases);
• Flexibility to work some nights and weekends as needed;
• Reliable transportation, a valid CA Drivers’ License with appropriate car insurance.

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Education, training and experience sufficient to meet the requirements of Business & Professions Code § 6450, including documentation of at least one of the following:
• A certificate of completion of a paralegal program approved by the American Bar Association;
• A certificate of completion of a paralegal program, or a degree from a postsecondary institution that requires the successful completion of a minimum of 24 semester (or equivalent) units in law-related courses and that has been accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization or approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education;
• A baccalaureate degree or an advanced degree in any subject, a minimum of one year of law-related experience under the supervision of an attorney who has been an active member of the State Bar of California for at least the preceding three years or who has practiced in the federal courts of this state for at least the preceding three years, and a written declaration from this attorney stating that the person is qualified to perform paralegal tasks;
• A high school diploma or general equivalency diploma, a minimum of three years of law-related experience under the supervision of an attorney who has been an active member of the State Bar of California for at least the preceding three years or who has practiced in the federal courts of this state for at least the preceding three years, and a written declaration from this attorney stating that the person is qualified to perform paralegal tasks.

CCLS BENEFITS PACKAGE OVERVIEW

Work/Life Balance

• 7.5 hour work day / 37.5 hour week
• Free wellness counseling & resources
• Union protection for applicable positions

Rewards for Dedication

• Annual pay increases
• Overtime for Hourly/Non-exempt staff
• Compensatory Time for Salaried/Exempt staff

More than Base Pay

• School Loan Assistance up to $500/month
• Bilingual Pay up to $90/month
• Home internet reimbursement of $25/month
• CCLS issued laptop & cell phone
• CA State Bar dues paid in full
• Mileage reimbursement

Retirement Contribution

• CCLS contributes to staff 403(b) plans starting at the one-year anniversary:
• Year 1 to 2 – 1% of salary contributed
• Year 2 to 3 – 2% of salary contributed
• Year 3 to 4 – 3% of salary contributed
• Year 4 to 5 – 4% of salary contributed
• Year 5+ - 5% of salary contributed

Group Health Insurance

• Coverage begins 1st of the month following hire date
• CCLS pays 100% for staff health insurance coverage
• CCLS pays 67% of staff dependent health insurance coverage
• Long term disability & life insurance
• Workers Compensation coverage

Cash Out Options

• Accrued vacation cashed out & added to paycheck upon request
• OT paid out within 30 days of accrual, per State standards

Computer Loan Fund

• Up to $1,500 interest free loan to assist staff with personal computer purchase

State Bar Exam Leave & Loan

• Protected leave for CA Bar Exam
• Interest-free loan for Bar Exam & study course fees

Email: Please email application resume and cover letter to the General Counsel, Jonathan Ota, at [e-mail] .

Department:

Litigation/Advocacy

Submission Deadline:

12/16/26

Job Location:

Central California Legal Services (Main Branch)