Paralegal Intake and Assessment Vietnamese Bilingual (Hybrid)

Responsibilities

• Coverage of client intake and eligibility screening by phone and in person.
• Collecting demographic information and entering data into legal databases.
• Identifying and documenting clients' legal issues and communicating attorney advice and counsel.
• Aiding in grant reporting and tracking deliverables as applicable.
• Preparing legal work under attorney supervision, including legal forms, pleadings, memoranda, correspondence, and citation checking.
• Maintaining accurate case records in the case management system (LegalServer).
• Assisting attorneys with client intake, interviews, and initial appointments.
• Supporting case investigation and legal research, including witness interviews and factual and legal research.
• Performing clerical and administrative support tasks, such as record-keeping, document copying, e-filing, calendar management, and deadline tracking.
• Providing language support when qualified, including interpretation and translation services as needed.
• Working with community groups, conducting outreach, and providing community education presentations and materials.
• Performing other duties as required to meet the needs of the organization.

Requirements

• Paralegal certificate, paralegal degree, or Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of one year of law-related experience under the supervision of an attorney who has been an active member of the State Bar of California for at least the preceding three years or who has practiced in the federal courts of this state for at least the preceding three years, and a written declaration from this attorney stating that the person is qualified to perform paralegal tasks.
• Bilingual English/Vietnamese – Required.
• Experience working in a call center, with the ability to use computers and learn data entry and communication technologies.
• Knowledge of general CLA SoCal practice areas (Family Law, Public Benefits, Consumer, and Housing preferred) and the ability to accurately enter and manage client information.
• Strong communication and client service skills, including the ability to handle difficult or stressful client situations and type at least 30 wpm.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, active insurance policy or other ability to travel frequently in and around the service area for representation and to engage with clients and community partners - Required.
• Strong technical, analytical, and communication skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams), excellent listening abilities, and strong writing skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure, manage multiple priorities simultaneously, and meet strict deadlines.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with strong initiative, problem-solving skills, and the ability to learn quickly and work independently.
• Collaborative and empathetic team member with a desire to learn, share knowledge, and bring energy to working with others.
• Ability to interact with a wide range of clients utilizing client-centered lawyering and trauma-informed frameworks.

About the role

The Vietnamese Bilingual Intake and Assessment Paralegal will work as a member of the Intake and Assessment Unit to conduct intake and assessment of new clients via the CLA SoCal Hotline, Online Intake, off-site legal clinics, and outreach events. This full-time, hybrid, non-exempt position reports to the Associate Supervisor of Intake and Assessment.

Qualifications

Bilingual English/Vietnamese – Required.

Benefits

The position is structured as a 35-hour workweek. Exempt status may require additional hours as needed to perform essential job functions.
Hybrid Schedule: 16 paid holidays + PTO (including wellness days) starting Day 1
Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and long-term disability
401(k) with employer contribution
Student loan reimbursement program
Bilingual bonus pay for qualified staff

About CLA SoCal

Community Legal Aid SoCal (CLA SoCal) is a welcoming and hopeful non-profit organization dedicated to meeting the legal needs of low-income residents and seniors throughout Orange and Los Angeles Counties. We provide equal employment opportunities. We strongly encourage all interested individuals to apply, including people of different abilities, religions, identities, orientations, nationalities, and ethnicities. All individuals who are seeking a welcoming environment who celebrate and value the unique characteristics of every member of the team who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive at CLA SoCal to apply for this role.