Paralegal – Consumer Debt & Bankruptcy

About the Role

Join the attorneys, paralegals, and intake screener on the Consumer Debt & Bankruptcy team. The team provides self-help services, brief/limited-scope services, and direct representation. As part of this work, the team staffs a self-help center at the Bankruptcy Court in Woodland Hills on Tuesdays and Thursdays, a self-help center at Chatsworth Courthouse on Thursdays, and a monthly consumer debt clinic at the Van Nuys Public Library. This position is non-exempt and designated as hybrid, requiring on-site work a minimum of two (2) days per week.

Responsibilities

• Staff self-help centers multiple days per week, team clinics, and outreach events, including covering for other paralegals when they are out
• Provide information and guidance to self-represented litigants
• Screen litigants for bankruptcy and consumer issues
• Screen litigants for eligibility
• Handle a high volume of calls and walk-in applicants
• Support attorneys at community-based legal clinics, self-help centers, and with retained clients, both in-person and remotely
• Assist staff and Pro Bono attorneys with litigants
• Prepare legal documents and finalize retainer agreements
• Input and track data for grant reporting purposes
• Maintain client and referral database
• Coordinate and deliver presentations
• File documents with the court
• Provide translation and interpretation where language capacity permits
• Travel to NLSLA program offices, courthouses, and other locations throughout Los Angeles County as required

About Us

Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County (NLSLA) provides free assistance to over 175,000 individuals and families each year through innovative projects that expand access to justice. We see the law as a powerful tool for social change and value diverse perspectives and experiences. NLSLA fosters an inclusive environment that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and abilities.