The CCLS Legal Advice Line allows individuals and groups in Central California to apply for, and if determined eligible, to receive legal advice regarding a wide range of legal issues over the telephone. The CCLS Legal Advice Line team is responsible for the efficient delivery of high- quality legal information, advice, and referral with regard to a broad array of civil legal issues, including housing, public benefits, health, consumer, education, basic estate planning, and family security.
DUTIES:
1. Under the supervision of the Legal Advice Line Supervising Attorney/Team Leader, a Legal Advice Line Staff Attorney is responsible for effectively and efficiently answering incoming telephone calls and providing legal advice and information to eligible clients.
2. Conducts initial applicant screening, performs conflict checks, and determines eligibility for services.
3. Provides appropriate referrals to applicants that are determined to be non-eligible, conducts telephone interviews with callers determined to be eligible and enters sensitive client demographic information into computer database system.
4. Maintains electronic client case files, conveys legal advice and information consistent with established guidelines.
5. Ability to work both independently and cooperatively in a team environment; maintain positive working relationship with team and other staff members; and provide and receive assistance from team and other staff members.
6. Assists in the supervision of the Legal Advice Line Paralegals.
7. Ability to speak on the phone and take consecutive calls for up to two hours at a time without a break multiple times per day.
8. Ability to work under pressure and deal with stress while maintaining a professional and appropriate manner with callers and staff.
9. Ability to work quickly but accurately, multi-task, and meet short time lines.
10. Assists the Legal Advice Line Supervising Attorney/Team Leader in research of complex legal issues and writes internal memorandums on their interpretation and provides guidance on those legal issues.
11. Assembles and mails appropriate correspondence and literature to clients as needed.
12. Participates in organizational projects such as developing and conducting client surveys to improve delivery of client services.
13. Participates in weekly Legal Advice Line meetings for case review and substantive training.
14. Continuously improves their knowledge and ability to provide efficient, high quality legal assistance.
15. Engages in community outreach as directed and as needed.
16. Performs other duties as assigned.
1. Ability to fluently and effectively speak, understand and courteously converse with individuals seeking assistance in person and over the phone.
2. Capable of effectively and courteously conversing with individuals from the client community who communicate using other languages or methods (with the use of an interpreter as needed).
3. Ability to interact with individuals and groups in a professional, courteous, and culturally competent manner.
4. Ability to engage in outreach activities in the community, as needed.
5. Excellent oral and written communication skills, and ability to document work activities on a contemporaneous and accurate basis.
6. Ability to be punctual and reliable in attending work and keeping work commitments.
7. Ability to obtain and maintain detailed understanding and ensure compliance with grantor requirements and CCLS policy and practices.
8. Ability to obtain and maintain detailed understanding of substantive law areas addressed by the Legal Advice Line.
9. Bilingual highly preferred (Spanish/English, Hmong/English).
10. Competency/experience with PC systems and standard software (Microsoft Office, Access, Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, other relevant databases.
11. Reliable transportation, a valid CA drivers’ license with appropriate car insurance.
12. Member in good standing of the State Bar of California or admission within twelve months of hire; or eligible to practice under the Registered Legal Services Attorney Program.
Please send or e-mail cover letter, resume, and three references along with a legal writing sample (no more than 10 pages) to:
Manuel Romero, HR Director [email protected].