Paralegal - Homeownership and Consumer Rights Unit , Community Legal Services of Philadelphia

About the role

CLS seeks a full-time paralegal for the Homeownership and Consumer Rights Unit (HCRU). The HCRU represents homeowners facing mortgage and tax foreclosures and pursues economic justice for clients harmed by abusive, unfair, or predatory practices. This paralegal will work with our economic justice practice group, focusing on consumer debt including student loans.

Credit on fair terms can help borrowers bridge budget gaps and access education and assets to build financial stability. But far too often debt deepens financial distress. Predatory lenders and collectors add to the burden. Credit products may have features like high fees and interest that increase the likelihood that a borrower will fall behind. Loan servicers, particularly those in the student loan industry, may make it difficult for borrowers to access programs designed to provide payment relief. And some collectors engage in abusive tactics, scaring borrowers to pay on the debt rather than purchase food and medicine, or even suing on alleged debts without adequate proof. These practices disproportionately affect Black and Brown Philadelphians, widening the existing racial wealth gap.

The HCRU works to bring economic justice to low-income Philadelphians struggling with debt or facing unfair debt collection practices. We represent clients facing debt collection lawsuits related to consumer debt, protect clients’ income and ability to bank when their accounts are garnished, and we assist student loan borrowers in applying for loan forgiveness and affordable payment programs. We also engage in court reform efforts to stop abusive debt collection practices and work with law makers to address systemic injustices. We empower and train clients and community organizations about their legal rights. Paralegals are critical to the team, providing ongoing case support to attorneys, handling their own cases under supervision, and engaging in outreach and advocacy.

Responsibilities

• Interviewing clients seeking legal help either in person or by phone and gathering related documents and information
• Drafting correspondence to clients and opposing parties and assisting attorneys defending clients facing debt collection lawsuits
• Under the supervision of an attorney, advising clients on how to protect their limited income from seizure, writing demand letters, and negotiating agreements with collectors and opposing counsel
• Supporting the team’s affirmative litigation to combat misconduct by debt collectors, loan servicers and predatory institutions
• Assisting student loan borrowers in applying for loan discharges, financial hardship claims, and consolidation and rehabilitation plans
• Helping clients obtain credit reports, report consumer fraud, and file complaints with consumer protection agencies
• Creating and revising “Know Your Rights” materials and presenting at community education workshops to educate individuals and community organizations about their legal rights
• Engaging in advocacy campaigns for court reforms and legislative changes

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED
• Strong writing skills
• Strong computer literacy including proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Proven ability to interact well in a multi-cultural environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Fluency in writing and speaking a language other than English, preferably Spanish
• Experience with a social services agency or a nonprofit organization that advocates