Paralegal

westsidejustice; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 51,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off

401(k) retirement plan

Job summary

Westside Justice Center in Chicago seeks a Paralegal to support the Legal Services team by managing cases, performing legal research, and interviewing clients. The role requires a paralegal certificate, a bachelor’s degree, and solid communication skills.

You will work in a mission-driven environment focused on advancing access to justice and serving diverse communities. Responsibilities include coordinating referrals, organizing files, and drafting documents.

Qualifications

• 2 years’ office experience, preferably in a legal setting.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college.
• Paralegal certificate from ABA-accredited program.
• Strong communication and attention to detail.
• Ability to multitask and work independently or in a team.

Responsibilities

• Assist with case planning, development, and management.
• Coordinate referrals to attorneys, partner organizations and community partners.
• Conduct legal research.
• Interview clients, gather facts, and retrieve information.
• Organize case files, monitor case statuses, and provide updates to the supervising attorney.
• Review client and court related case files for pertinent information.
• Organize, manage, and update client files/pleadings (electronic and paper copies).
• Review and analyze client files, data, and documents for discovery.
• Assist with preparing documents for production and witness files for depositions or trial.
• Draft, edit, and proofread cover letters, memos, and Word documents.

Skills

Communication skills

Multitasking

Time management

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Professionalism

Customer service

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree

ABA-approved paralegal certificate

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Westside Justice Center is growing and expanding its legal services team!

Unleash your advocacy skills and make a difference with the Westside Justice Center. Join our mission-driven team as a Paralegal and play a critical role in advancing access to justice in our communities.

Founded in 2015, the Westside Justice Center (WJC) is not just a workplace—it is a community-centered Legal Aid clinic committed to eradicating barriers to justice and uplifting authentic community leadership.

As aParalegal, you'll be at the forefront of our efforts, assisting our Legal Services team in providing essential support to individuals and communities in need. Your responsibilities will includecase management, legal research, client interviews, and document preparation. If you're someone with a genuine passion for social justice and a desire to make a tangible impact, we invite you to join us.

Responsibilities

• Assist with case planning, development, and management
• Coordinate and track referrals to attorneys, partner organizations and community partners
• Conduct legal research
• Interview clients, gather facts, and retrieve information
• Organize case files, monitor case statuses, and provide periodic updates to the supervising attorney
• Review all client and court related case files for pertinent information
• Organize, manage, and update client files/pleadings (electronic and paper copies)
• Review and analyze client files, data, and documents to assist in the investigation of facts and allegations involved in discovery
• Assist with preparing documents for production and witness files to be used at depositions or trial
• Draft, edit, and proofread cover letters, administrative memos, and Word documents

Successful Candidates Will Possess

• 2 years’ experience working in an office setting, preferably a legal environment
• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• A paralegal certificate from a paralegal training program accredited by the American Bar Association
• Demonstrated interest in the work of WJC and/or its clients
• Ability to multitask, prioritize tasks and manage time
• Strong communication skills, both written and oral, and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to work with diverse populations
• Professionalism
• Strong customer service orientation
• Ability to navigate Microsoft Office suite i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint

NOTE: A copy of your professional license, academic transcripts, or relevant training certificates will be required at the time of interview, if applicable.

Benefits:

• Community Impact
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• 401(k) retirement plan

Work Environment

The work environment described here is representative of that an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation(s) may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• This job operates in a professional office environment. The role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones and photocopiers
• Ability to communicate verbally
• Ability to spend extended time working on a computer
• Occasional need for local travel for work‑related reasons

Compensation

Actual compensation will be determined based on a wide array of relevant factors, including market considerations, organizational needs, and an individual’s skills, experience, and qualifications. Target salary hiring range is $50,700 - $54,600.

Disclaimer

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties, requirements, or responsibilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Westside Justice Center is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and is committed to maintaining an inclusive environment free from discrimination and harassment.

We prohibit discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex

(including pregnancy, gender identity, transgender status, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, parental status, military service or discharge status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Consistent with our mission to advance justice and equity, people of color, women, LGBTQI-GNC individuals, immigrants, and formerly incarcerated people are strongly encouraged to apply.