Legal Program Assistant

The Organization

Legal Assistance for Seniors (LAS) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit in its 49th year serving Alameda County residents who are 60 years of age and older. Through its Legal Services Program, LAS provides legal advice and information, representation in court and administrative hearings, referrals to other community resources, and community education and training in the areas of prevention of elder abuse, consumer law, public benefits, housing, guardianships, naturalization, and health law. Through its Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP), LAS provides individual counseling and community education to Medicare beneficiaries in the areas of Medicare enrollment and coverage, supplemental coverage including Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans, low-income assistance programs, and long-term care insurance.

The Role

Reporting to the Legal Director, the Legal Program Assistant will support the legal team by performing a wide range of administrative, client-facing, and case-related tasks. This position plays an integral role in ensuring the smooth operation of the legal department, assisting with case management, legal document preparation, and providing excellent support to clients and attorneys. The Legal Program Assistant will also contribute to creating a welcoming and efficient office environment, handling limited receptionist responsibilities.

Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Perform initial pre-screening and intake of potential clients (by phone and walk-ins), gathering detailed information and creating concise summaries for attorneys and advocates
• Provide administrative support to attorneys, including filing and service of legal pleadings, assistance with case opening and closing procedures, maintenance of case files, and conducting online database searches
• Manage incoming and outgoing legal department mail, maintain up-to-date referral lists and resource materials, process legal expense requests, and assist with mailing intake documents and handouts to clients
• Attend and contribute to regular legal team meetings and support special projects or legal research as assigned
• Help maintain a professional and welcoming office environment by performing limited receptionist duties such as answering calls, greeting visitors, and receiving and copying documents from clients
• Support the upkeep of shared office spaces and meeting rooms by maintaining supplies, organizing common areas, assisting with client or team meetings (e.g., refreshments, copies, note-taking, cleanup)
• Assist with special projects and perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Required:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• High School Diploma or higher
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability and patience to gather extensive client information with accuracy and precision
• Self-motivated and able to work independently and as part of a collaborative team
• Detail-oriented and organized, with strong time-management skills
• Commitment to serving underserved communities; sensitivity towards older adults and persons with disabilities
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 and database management

Preferred:

• Customer service experience
• Bilingual preferred

Working conditions & physical requirements

• Ability to sit for extended periods and use of phones and computer systems for long periods of time
• Ability to alternate between sitting and motion tasks frequently.
• Extensive computer use
• In-office work required