VLSP Paralegal

Community Legal Aid Services; Warren (OH); On-site; USD 39,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Community Legal Aid Services seeks a VLSP Paralegal to support volunteer lawyers handling civil matters under the supervision of the Managing Attorney. The focus is on intake, client screening and comprehensive documentation in accordance with Ohio ethical rules.

You will coordinate volunteer scheduling, assist in preparing letters, affidavits and basic pleadings, and track case deadlines while helping with reports and compliance. Notary or Spanish skills are advantageous.

Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal and communication abilities.
• Excellent analytical and organizational skills.
• Ability to plan projects, manage timelines and document results.
• Flexible hours and willingness to work evenings or weekends if needed.
• Notary public or ability to become one is advantageous.
• Spanish language ability is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Screen and interview clients according to criteria.
• Assist in drafting letters, affidavits, basic pleadings and other documents.
• Gather relevant client information and track case status and deadlines.
• Coordinate volunteer lawyers, training, and events.
• Ensure compliance with timekeeping and reporting requirements.
• Support attorneys in a range of civil matters as needed.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Project planning

Oral and written communication

Spanish language ability

Education

College degree preferable

Job description

Description

The Volunteer Legal Services Program (VLSP) at Community Legal Aid improves access to justice by

encouraging and supporting pro bono attorneys who provide legal services to low income clients of

Community Legal Aid. VLSP connects more than 1000 clients each year to pro bono attorneys for legal

representation.

Under the supervision of the Managing Attorney, the VLSP Paralegal will assist in the provision of

comprehensive, high quality legal services to eligible clients in civil cases in accordance with

organizational policies and the Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct.

Requirements

Volunteer Recruitment, Support and Recognition: The VLSP Paralegal will have a primary role in the

maintenance of volunteer relationships, serving as the primary point of contact for volunteers and

ensuring that they are well supported and that they feel that their time is well spent. The VLSP Paralegal

will understand and comply with specific regulations concerning tracking and documentation of volunteer

efforts and timekeeping. The VLSP Paralegal will be involved in the recruitment and recognition of

volunteer lawyers who provide pro bono or reduced fee representation to low income clients.

Volunteer Support: The VLSP Paralegal will be involved in scheduling, arranging and supporting special

events such as team meetings, continuing legal education trainings, donor receptions, community

education presentations, clinics and reporting and compliance calendars.

Professional Support: The VLSP Paralegal will be called upon to provide support in a wide variety of

civil cases, including interviewing and screening of clients, working with clients to gather relevant

documents, drafting of letters, affidavits, basic legal pleadings and other documents, tracking case status

and ensuring that deadlines are met, and otherwise assisting attorneys.

Pro Se Assistance: The VLSP Paralegal will screen cases according to established criteria and distribute

relevant community legal education material as appropriate and will assist clinic participants and clients

in the preparation of routine legal forms.

Project Management: The VLSP Paralegal may be asked to assume a leadership role in management of

specific projects. Such role will include developing project plans, coordination and oversight of efforts of

staff and volunteers, ensuring that required data is gathered, and preparation of reports.

Community Advocacy: The VLSP Paralegal will play a role in furthering the firm’s advocacy agenda in

the community through service on local or statewide committees or boards and by establishing new and

maintaining existing community collaborations.

Team Participation and Administration: The VLSP Paralegal will be an active participant in planning,

documenting and evaluating the work of the team. The VLSP Paralegal will play a central role in grant

compliance and report preparation. The VLSP Paralegal will also be assigned office administration duties

such as maintenance of escrow account, ordering of supplies, reception duties, etc.

Qualifications:

• - Professional attitude excellent interpersonal skills, dependability, and a high desire to contribute
• - Independent worker with excellent analytical and organizational skills who can think systemically, who has the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines, and who can plan projects, manage their execution, and document results
• - First rate oral and written skills
• - Thorough working knowledge of all computer programs and office machines used by the firm and ability to learn new programs and machines as required
• - Willingness and ability to work flexible hours to suit the needs of clients and the firm, specifically the ability to work into the early evening to conduct intake screening by telephone or at clinics and possible work at a Saturday morning clinic
• - Although not absolutely required, a college degree is preferable
• - Notary public or ability to become one immediately following hiring
• - Ability to speak Spanish is highly desirable

Salary: $42,800.00+ D.O.E. Excellent working conditions plus generous benefits package.

Community Legal Aid Services is an equal opportunity employer. Minorities and women are encouraged to apply.

Salary Description

$42,800.00 D.O.E.