Paralegal and Pro Bono Coordinator

School/Unit Harvard Law School
Job Function General Administration
Location Jamaica Plain
Job Type Full-time
Salary Grade 051
FLSA Status Non-exempt
Union 55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers
Term Appointment Yes

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Join a community that combines excellence in legal education and scholarship with a deep commitment to justice. Here at Harvard Law School (HLS), you'll find an environment that values who you are and encourages you to grow, inspire others, and make a meaningful impact. Wherever you are in your career journey, HLS is a place where you can thrive, contribute, and be part of something bigger.

The Legal Services Center (LSC) of Harvard Law School seeks to hire a Paralegal and Pro Bono Coordinator to join our Veterans Legal Clinic. Working closely with clients and attorneys, the Paralegal and Pro Bono Coordinator performs various critical responsibilities in support of the public interest mission of the Veterans Legal Clinic. The Clinic—through which Harvard Law students receive hands-on lawyering opportunities—provides direct legal representation to low-income disabled veterans and their families.

The Paralegal and Pro Bono Coordinator serves as the primary point of contact for new clients seeking assistance, as the primary administrative liaison to the Clinic's panel of pro bono attorneys, and as the team member primarily responsible for maintaining case records, among other duties. The Clinic's docket reflects a diverse array of practice areas, including appeals involving federal and state veterans' benefits, discharge upgrade and correction of military records cases, and estate planning matters.

The Clinic practices before agencies, in state and federal court, and before Department of Defense tribunals. Many of the Clinic's cases raise cutting-edge issues involving the rights of disabled veterans. The position represents a unique opportunity to join Harvard Law School's clinical program, to work in a dynamic, community-based, public interest and clinical teaching law office, and to engage on critical issues in veterans advocacy.

As a Paralegal and Pro Bono Coordinator, you will:

• Conduct initial client intake phone calls and meetings, including screening cases for eligibility, gathering and organizing records and other evidence, and maintaining case files
• Triage intakes and other assignments to ensure that the most urgent matters are given proper priority
• Work closely with clients and attorneys on all aspects of the Clinic's docket
• Serve as a liaison with pro bono attorneys, referral organizations, and other third parties
• Maintain the Clinic's online case management system and help to manage the Clinic's docket in other respects
• Contribute to community outreach and engagement efforts
• Provide administrative support to the Clinic's mission in other respects as directed

Basic Qualifications

At least one year of relevant experience. High school graduate or equivalent. Education beyond high school may count toward experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

We are looking for people who have:

• Demonstrated interest in working with the veterans community
• Effective interpersonal skills, including active listening, communicating empathy, and conducting client interviews using trauma-informed approaches
• Discretion and good judgment
• Effective written, verbal, and organizational skills
• Effective administrative and time-management skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite programs
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced work environment
• Flexibility and the ability to handle multiple priorities
• Ability to work well independently and as part of a team

Appointment End Date: This is a two-year term appointment with potential for renewal subject to funding and departmental need.

Standard Hours/

Schedule:

35 hours per week;
Full-time, M-F.

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