FAMILY LAW UNIT PARALEGALS

$43,000 - $43,000/Yr

Philadelphia Legal Assistance - Philadelphia, PA

Full-time - Entry Level

Remote - Philadelphia, PA

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

Philadelphia Legal Assistance (PLA) is seeking to hire two full-time paralegals for its Family Law Unit, with an anticipated start date of August 1, 2024. PLA is a non-profit legal services organization that primarily serves low-income individuals and families, focusing on family law issues. The organization is committed to addressing the challenges faced by survivors of interpersonal violence and views family law as a critical component in the fight against poverty and family violence. The Family Law Unit handles a diverse range of cases, including child custody, child and spousal support, protection from abuse, and divorce. The practice is trauma-informed, aiming to alleviate the impact of family violence on clients. In this role, the paralegals will assist clients who are survivors of interpersonal violence. Responsibilities will include helping litigants file pleadings at the Family Courthouse, staffing the Help Center, interviewing clients, preparing legal documents, gathering evidence, and performing other routine paralegal duties. The paralegals will also conduct eligibility intakes and engage in outreach and community education efforts to various client and advocate groups throughout Philadelphia. Training will be provided by the Family Law Unit upon hire, and paralegal certificates are not required for this position.

Responsibilities

• Assist survivors of interpersonal violence with legal processes.
• Help litigants file pleadings at the Family Courthouse.
• Staff the Help Center to provide support to clients.
• Interview clients to gather necessary information.
• Prepare legal pleadings and documents as required.
• Gather evidence and assist in case preparation.
• Perform eligibility intakes for potential clients.
• Engage in outreach and community education efforts to various groups.

Requirements

• College graduate preferred.
• Commitment to family violence issues.
• Ability to interact well with people experiencing trauma and stress.
• Experience in a fast-paced environment.
• Prior work experience at a public interest law firm or in family law preferred but not necessary.
• Fluency in Spanish is preferred.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience working with survivors of interpersonal violence.
• Knowledge of family law procedures and documentation.

Benefits

• Health insurance premiums paid in full for employee and family.
• Cash incentives for health insurance opt-out.
• Vacation, personal, and sick leave.
• Thirteen (13) paid holidays.
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution based on years of service.
• Life insurance and short and long term disability benefits.