Paralegal - Housing

Organization Overview:

For over 35 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 region by providing free legal representation to overcome legal obstacles that would otherwise affect clients' independence, health, or quality of life. LCD is headquartered in Center City, and our practice areas include family, housing, planning documents, public benefits, and social security law. Through LCD's Medical-Legal Partnership Initiative, staff work directly with medical partners at multiple sites across Philadelphia. Through our Housing Initiative, LCD actively participates in the Philadelphia Eviction Prevention Project. Additionally, we conduct general telephone intake and hold Community Legal Outreach Clinics. Last year alone, LCD served over 1,700 clients and more than 2,000 additional household members, furthering our mission to foster inclusion, independence, and justice for all.

Position Overview:

The Housing Paralegal works primarily with LCD’s Housing Initiative and reports to the Supervising Attorney within that Initiative. 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
• Work with the Supervising Attorney to refer pro bono cases, ensure receipt of paperwork from volunteer attorneys, and track the cases to ensure their progression; work with healthcare providers to obtain expert reports
• 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 Supervising Attorney, manage and organize client information, files, volunteer attorney and pro bono information, and other data
• Perform other administrative tasks as needed
• Enter time in accordance with LCD’s timekeeping policy every day

Community Engagement and Outreach:

• Assist with Community Legal Outreach Clinics (CLOCs) with standing partner agencies as well as various additional community events
• Assist with maintaining and cultivating LCD’s pro bono programs
• Attend bar association and legal services committee meetings as requested by the Supervising Attorney

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 strongly preferred (additional compensation upon certification of ability to interpret or translate in another language and using that language to communicate with LCD clients.)

Working Conditions and Demands: 

The Paralegal works from LCD’s main office as well as court on a rotating basis. The Paralegal may 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.

Compensation and Benefits:

This is a full-time position covered by the collective bargaining agreement between LCD and the National Organization of Legal Services Workers International Union UAW, Local 2320, AFL-CIO. LCD offers a competitive salary based on experience. The current minimum starting salary is $47,000 for paralegals, which increases with relevant years of experience and according to the provisions of the current collective bargaining agreement. There is an increase in base salary upon certification of ability to interpret or translate in another language and using that language to communicate with LCD clients.

LCD's benefits package includes 100% employer-paid health benefits (for employees and minor children) for full-time employees, access to flexible spending accounts for health and dependent care, a 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching, disability insurance, and generous vacation and holiday time (20 vacation days (increases with years of service), 2 personal days, 12 sick days, and 13 holidays).

Location:

LCD’s main offices are located at 925 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107.

Application:

Please apply through LCD’s organization page on Idealist.

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. 

Fluency in writing and speaking Spanish is strongly preferred (additional compensation upon certification of ability to interpret or translate in another language and using that language to communicate with LCD clients.)