Organization Overview:
For over 30 years, the Legal Clinic for the Disabled (LCD) has worked to empower low-income people with disabilities and the deaf and hard of hearing in the Philadelphia by providing free legal representation to overcome legal obstacles that would otherwise affect their independence, health, or quality of life. LCD is headquartered in Center City, and staff work directly with medical partners at multiple sites across Philadelphia through our Medical-Legal Partnership Initiative. Focused on addressing health-harming legal needs, our practice areas include family, housing, planning documents, public benefits, and social security law. In addition to our Medical-Legal Partnership Initiative, we conduct general telephone intake, hold Community Legal Outreach Clinics and healthcare provider trainings, and actively participate in the Philadelphia Eviction Prevention Project. Last year alone, LCD served over 2,000 clients, furthering our mission to foster inclusion, independence, and justice for all.
Position Overview:
The paralegal reports to the Legal Director. Under the supervision of the attorneys, the paralegal performs a wide range of administrative tasks related to both substantive and procedural legal issues. The paralegal works closely with the attorneys and LCD clients. In addition to providing ongoing support with case management, the paralegal directly assists with LCD’s pro bono and outreach programs.
Detailed Responsibilities:
Client and Case Work:
- Conduct initial client interviews, screen for eligibility for LCD services, and gather detailed factual investigation;
- Assist attorneys with client follow-up, evidence gathering, trial preparation, and general case progression as needed;
- Perform legal research and writing;
- Draft correspondence and other documents, including client correspondences and court pleadings;
- Refer clients to appropriate resources;
- Under attorney supervision, represent clients in meetings and administrative hearings, including but not limited to the Fair Housing Commission, County Assistance Office, and Social Security Administration;
- Become and remain well-informed regarding basic legal principles applicable to LCD’s areas of practice, and attend training conferences.
Administrative:
- In coordination with support staff and the Legal Director, manage and organize client information, files, volunteer attorney and pro bono information, and other data;
- Perform other administrative tasks as needed.
Community Engagement and Outreach:
- Assist with Community Legal Outreach Clinics (CLOCs) with standing partner agencies as well as various additional community events;
- Research potential new community partnerships for outreach events, including “know your rights” clinics for LCD’s target client population; maintain a detailed record of LCD’s outreach program;
- Assist with maintaining and cultivating LCD’s pro bono programs;
- Attend bar association and legal services committee meetings as requested by the Legal Director.
Benefits:
This position provides health benefits, access to a retirement plan, and generous vacation and holiday time.
Location:
LCD’s main offices are located at 925 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107.
Qualifications:
- Demonstrated commitment to underserved populations and/or nonprofit experience;
- Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills;
- Demonstrated ability to simultaneously prioritize, track, and complete multiple tasks;
- Demonstrated skill in client interviewing, writing, and verbal communication;
- High degree of accuracy and attention to detail;
- Demonstrated trustworthiness and professional judgment;
- Demonstrated ability to interact compassionately and professionally with people experiencing trauma and stress;
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education and experience;
- Fluency in writing and speaking Spanish is preferred but not required.
Working Conditions and Physical Demands:
The LCD paralegal will be primarily in our main office but may also travel periodically to one of our medical-legal partnership sites. In addition, the job requires assisting staff attorneys at various community outreaches and at home visits.
Application:
Please apply through LCD’s organization page on Idealist:
https://www.idealist.org/en/nonprofit/d63bdf243c844d68a32379a3adbae715-l...
Navigate to the listing for this position, and click on the link to apply. You will be asked to provide a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and three professional references. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Legal Clinic for the Disabled is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. LCD does not discriminate in the selection of employees on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, sexual identity, genetics, age, national origin, disability, or veteran status. In addition to federal law requirements, LCD complies with all applicable state and local laws, governing nondiscrimination in employment.
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