Legal Aid Foundation Of Los Angeles - Los Angeles, CA

posted 4 months ago

Full-time - Entry Level
Los Angeles, CA
101-250 employees
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

The Paralegal position at the Veterans Justice Center Workgroup (LSV) of the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA) is an opportunity to join a dedicated organization focused on increasing access to justice for vulnerable populations in the Greater Los Angeles area. LAFLA, a nonprofit law firm with a rich history of 95 years, is committed to protecting and advancing the rights of underserved communities. The organization employs over 200 staff members, including more than 100 attorneys, who provide free legal services on a wide range of civil legal issues affecting health, safety, and self-sufficiency. Each year, LAFLA assists over 100,000 individuals in navigating the legal system to regain control of their lives and build a brighter future. The Veterans Justice Center specifically advocates for veterans, helping them secure essential benefits such as income, health care, and housing. The paralegal in this role will provide critical support to veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, working under the supervision of an attorney. This position involves direct legal services, including assistance with VA benefits, military discharge upgrades, criminal record expungement, and various other legal issues. The paralegal will collaborate with staff, community partners, and volunteers to deliver comprehensive legal services, ensuring that veterans receive the support they need to overcome legal barriers and improve their quality of life. This role is part of a special program funded through designated resources, and while it offers a meaningful opportunity to make a difference, there is no guarantee of ongoing funding or employment beyond September 2025. Candidates should be prepared to engage with a diverse client population and handle the challenges of working with individuals in crisis, all while contributing to LAFLA's mission of promoting justice and equity in the community.

Responsibilities

  • Determine and document applicants' eligibility for LAFLA's services
  • Conduct client interviews over the phone or in person
  • Provide counsel and advice under attorney supervision
  • Work effectively as part of a team, including pro bono and staff attorneys, support staff, and partner organizations
  • Draft pleadings, declarations, letters, and other documents
  • Participate in clinics and other community outreach projects
  • Organize, review and analyze high volumes of materials in a variety of media
  • Conduct legal research and prepare memoranda
  • Collect client data for grant reporting purposes
  • Contribute to the organization's DEI plan and goals, supporting all DEI initiatives and promoting inclusion.

Requirements

  • A four (4) year degree or Paralegal Certificate
  • One (1) year relevant work experience preferred
  • Ability to communicate courteously and professionally with LAFLA's client population and staff
  • Ability to handle the stress of working with individuals in crisis
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Self-motivated, takes initiative, ability to learn quickly
  • Excellent time management and organization skills with keen attention to detail
  • Ability to think critically and work effectively as part of a team
  • Demonstrated ability to interact and communicate with diverse populations with tact and sensitivity
  • Knowledge of, and experience with, military, veterans benefits, eviction defense, and record expungement issues are a plus
  • Organized, with ability to work on high-volume caseload
  • Ability to be flexible in job duties.

Nice-to-haves

  • Bilingual in Mandarin, Spanish, Korean, Cantonese, Khmer, Japanese, Vietnamese
  • Driver's License

Benefits

  • Wellness program
  • Loan repayment program
  • Disability insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Flexible spending account
  • Cell phone reimbursement
  • Vision insurance
  • 403(b)
  • Life insurance
© 2024 Teal Labs, Inc
Privacy PolicyTerms of Service