Paralegal – Consumer Debt & Bankruptcy

About the role

Join the attorneys, paralegals and intake screener on the Consumer Debt & Bankruptcy. 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.

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
• Screens litigants for bankruptcy and consumer issues
• Screens 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, and remotely
• Aid staff and Pro Bono attorneys with the litigants
• Prepare legal documents
• Finalize retainer agreements
• Input and track data for grant reporting purposes
• Maintain client and referral database
• Cover other clinics that may be developed
• Coordinate and deliver presentations
• File documents with the court
• Provide translation and interpretation where language capacity permits

Requirements

• Qualified candidates must have one (1) of the following:
• Paralegal Certificate
• B.A. or B.S. degree with 1 year experience working in a law office or other legal setting under the supervision of a licensed attorney with a letter certifying the experience.
• High School degree with 3 years’ experience working in a law office or other legal setting under the supervision of a licensed attorney with a letter certifying the experience. This experience and training would need to have been completed by December 31, 2022.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel, business communication platforms, and web-based case management platforms.
• Passion for NLSLA mission and demonstrated commitment to advocating for the legal rights of low-income individuals.
• Passion, empathy, and compassion for supporting people from different lived experiences.

Qualifications

• Bilingual in Spanish, Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese), or in any of the other Los Angeles threshold languages due to the high number of diverse linguistic needs residents in the community, which is highly valued in our community outreach efforts.
• Knowledge of Consumer and Bankruptcy legal process.
• Passion for supporting people from different lived experiences.

Benefits

• Competitive Compensation: $31.32–$35.71 per hour (equivalent to approximately $57,000–$65,000 annually based on a 35 hour work week), depending on experience.
• Generous Time Off: 15 paid holidays, 2 to 5 weeks of vacation depending on seniority, and 12 days of sick leave.
• Comprehensive Benefits:
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance with a variety of plan options.
  • Basic Life and AD&D Insurance, Long-Term Disability Insurance.
  • 403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions and options for voluntary contributions.
  • Monthly bilingual supplement for qualified employees. Note: Qualified employees with bilingual proficiency are expected to provide in-language assistance when feasible to support language access and in furtherance of NLSLA's mission. This expectation applies whether or not the employee receives the bilingual supplement.
• A Culture of Inclusion: We are committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive work environment where everyone can thrive.
• Perks: Technology reimbursement to help you stay connected and equipped to do your best work.

Pay

$31.32–$35.71 per hour (equivalent to approximately $57,000–$65,000 annually based on a 35 hour work week), depending on experience.

Schedule

This position is designated as hybrid. Employee are required to work on-site a minimum of two (2) days per week, with the remaining time eligible for remote work as business needs allow. Specific in-office days may be set by the department or manager to support team collaboration and organizational priorities.