Intake and Assessment Staff Attorney (PT & Remote in CA)

We're a dynamic legal non-profit committed to fighting injustice and advocating for social, economic, and racial equity by providing compassionate, holistic, and impactful legal services. Join our team and together we can work towards a world where equity and justice are not a goal, but a given!

The part-time Intake and Assessment Attorney will work as a member of the Intake and Assessment Unit to conduct Intake and Assessment of new clients via the CLA SoCal Hotline and clinics. This part-time (20 hours) non-exempt position is remote and reports to the Directing Attorney of Intake and Assessment. The ideal candidate will be based out of Southern California, we're currently not seeking candidates outside of the state.

Responsibilities

• Provide counsel and advice and limited service to clients via our intake systems.
• Triage walk-in requests for assistance.
• Work closely with intake screeners and intake paralegals.
• Ensuring timely and appropriate responses to requests for legal assistance.
• Collect client data for grant reporting purposes.
• Represent clients, counsel, and advise clients in legal matters.
• Maintain detailed and accurate case notes and timekeeping in CAse management system (LegalServer).
• Interview clients. Effectively and efficiently communicate with clients.
• Engage in CAse investigation, witness interviews, and factual and legal research.
• Research and write pleadings, memoranda, correspondence, and other legal documents.
• Direct and supervise the legal work of paralegal and law students, interns, and volunteers.
• Identify wrap-around legal services and work collaboratively with CLA SoCal’s various legal units.
• Work with a multi-cultural perspective of inclusion and diversity.
• Follow all organizational and grant compliance policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as required to meet the needs of the organization.

• Juris Doctor degree and an active member in good-standing of the California Bar or member to another state bar and ability to register as a legal services provider.
• Organized, with the ability to work on a high-volume caseload.
• Knowledge of, and comfort with, intake systems and technology – Preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of general CLA SoCal practice areas including: Family Law, Public Benefits, Consumer and Housing – Preferred.
• Experience with diverse client population.
• Bilingual Language (Spanish or Vietnamese) - Preferred.
• Articulate, creative, and passionate advocate with excellent written and oral communication skills, computer skills, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong personal work ethic, initiative, and ability to organize time, manage diverse activities, and meet critical deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Ability to spot legal issues and comfort with providing real-time counsel & advice.
• Strong interpersonal skill, client communication skills and comfort working with indigent clients.
• Strong technical skills; including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams).
• Reliable team player.
• Great organizational skills with keen attention to detail.
• Ability to interact with a wide range of clients utilizing client-centered lawyering and trauma-informed frameworks.
• Ability to model CLA SoCal’s values (compassion, collaboration, trust, accountability, and equity) in job duties.
• Prior legal services advocacy experience – Preferred.
• Bilingual proficiency – Preferred.

Life at CLA SoCal

In addition to a collaborative team spirit and learning culture, Community Legal Aid SoCal (CLA SoCal) offers a comprehensive and competitive salary and benefits package that includes group health and life insurance with optional employee buy-in, long-term disability, and a variety of optional benefits such as pet insurance. We offer a flexible and hybrid work schedule. Our staff members can work as few as 35-hour week. Some positions may work beyond a 35-hour week, including evening and weekend events, when caseload or other obligations so necessitate. Employees enjoy a work-life balance with 16 paid holidays a year, paid vacation, sick, and personal/well-being leave. Employee Assistance Program, Law School Loan Reimbursement Program, flexible parental leave, and 401k with employer contribution are available. Employees who can prove bilingual proficiency are eligible for a monetary bonus. We constantly look for opportunities to enhance our programs, reward our teammates, and update our benefits offerings regularly. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required as a condition of employment before date of hire. Reasonable accommodations will be considered.

About CLA SoCal

Community Legal Aid SoCal (CLA SoCal) is a diverse non-profit organization dedicated to meeting the legal needs of low-income residents and seniors throughout Orange and Los Angeles Counties. We focus on removing barriers to equitable access and providing compassionate, high-quality legal aid.

CLA SoCal aims to fill all positions with people who share our values and reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. We provide equal employment opportunities and strongly encourage all interested individuals to apply, including people of different abilities, religions, identities, orientations, nationalities, and ethnicities. Please note research suggests that individuals identifying as Black, Latinx, Asian, Pacific Islander, Indigenous, members of the LGBTQIA community, women, and people living with disabilities may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive at CLA SoCal to apply for this role.