Paralegal - CCLS; Fresno

Under supervision of the Legal Advice Line (LAL) Directing Attorney, the LAL Paralegal will work with the team to ensure that incoming calls from potential and current clients are answered, assessed, and processed in a consistently accurate and timely manner. This position will also be responsible for client interviews; document retrieval, drafting, maintenance, and mailing. LAL Paralegal will work closely with legal advocates on other teams in addressing client’s cases, in addition to assignments of other organizational projects.

• Effectively and efficiently answer incoming calls;
• Conduct initial applicant screening, uploading documents to Legal Server case files, performing conflict checks, determining eligibility for services, and providing referrals to applicants that are determined to be non-eligible;
• Interview clients determined to be eligible by phone, enter client information and notes into the computer system and maintain client files electronically, conveying legal information and counsel, assembling and mailing appropriate correspondence, such as closing and rejection letters and literature to clients as needed;
• Participate in organizational projects as assigned;
• Continuously improve knowledge and ability to provide efficient, high quality legal assistance, engaging in community outreach as directed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Ability to fluently and effectively speak, understand and courteously converse with English, Spanish, and/or Hmong speakers strongly preferred;
• Capable of effectively and courteously conversing with individuals from the client community who communicate using other languages or methods (with the use of an interpreter as needed);
• Ability to interact with individuals and groups in a professional, courteous, and culturally competent manner;
• Ability to work both independently and cooperatively in a team environment; maintain positive working relationship with team and other staff members; and provide and receive assistance from the team and other staff members;
• Ability to speak on the phone and take consecutive calls for up to two hours without a break, multiple times per day;
• Ability to work under pressure and deal with stress while maintaining a professional and appropriate manner with callers and staff;
• Ability to work quickly but accurately, multi-task, and meet short timelines;
• Ability to engage in outreach activities in the community when required;
• Ability to work evenings and weekends if required;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, and ability to document work activities on a contemporaneous and accurate basis;
• Ability to be punctual and reliable in attending work and keeping work commitments;
• Ability to obtain and maintain detailed understanding and ensure compliance with grantor requirements and CCLS policy and practices;
• Ability to obtain and maintain detailed understanding of substantive law areas addressed by the Legal Advice Line;
• Competency/experience with PC systems and standard software (Microsoft Office, Access, Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and other relevant databases);
• Reliable transportation, a valid CA Drivers’ License with appropriate car insurance.