03/11/2015: Legal Aid is hiring paralegals – deadline is 3/31/15!

The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland (Legal Aid) is seeking two paralegals who will play an important role in ensuring that low income individuals have access to high quality legal assistance in cases that impact health and safety, shelter and economic stability.

Paralegals work closely with and support Legal Aid attorneys.  Paralegals also work closely with clients.   Commitment to our mission is required but Paralegal Certification is not required.

About Legal Aid:  Legal Aid is a non-profit law firm whose mission is to secure justice and resolve fundamental problems for those who are low income and vulnerable by providing high quality legal services and working for systemic solutions.  Founded in 1905, Legal Aid is the fifth oldest legal aid organization in the United States.  Legal Aid’s 40 staff attorneys, 70 staff members, and 1,400 volunteer lawyers use the power of the law to improve safety and health, shelter and economic stability for low income clients.  Legal Aid serves a diverse population in 5 counties in northeast Ohio:  Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake and Lorain Counties.

Position Description:  Essential functions of the paralegal position include:

• Conduct initial client interviews and maintain ongoing client contact.
• Assist attorneys in all aspects of advocacy and litigation, including legal research, drafting of pleadings and letters, the preparation of charts, tables, documents and other evidentiary materials, and accompany and assist at hearings and other court proceedings.
• Conduct factual investigations, including obtaining, analyzing and summarizing documents and other evidence.
• Manage, monitor and coordinate case files in paper and electronic client formats.
• Communicate with clients, co-workers, community partners, judges and court staff.
• Conduct community outreach.
• Conduct intake, make referrals, and provide regular backup support for office receptionist.
• Conduct office management responsibilities.

Medical-Legal Partnership:  One paralegal will become part of Legal Aid’s Medical Legal Partnership (MLP) with MetroHealth, in particular serving individuals with chronic health conditions who have recently returned to our community from prison or jail.  Legal Aid’s MLP is a nationally recognized program that focuses on removing legal barriers to health.  This paralegal must be comfortable regularly working in a medical environment and with medical professionals.

Job Requirements:  Position requirements include:

A strong commitment to public service and to advocacy for low-income persons;

• Experience working with low-income individuals and communities;
• Associates degree or equivalent technical training or equivalent applicable experience; bachelor’s degree strongly preferred
• 1 year of office experience, preferably in a legal environment
• Spanish fluency is preferred
• Strong organizational and time management skills with strong attention to detail
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Computer proficiency with Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and case management software
• High level of professionalism, diplomacy, and sound judgment and ability to work well with a variety of individuals including clients, attorneys and staff
• Experience in working with non-profits and with attorneys preferred; commitment to Legal Aid’s mission required
• Please note: Paralegal Certification is not required for this role

Compensation & Benefits:  The salary for this position is $36,500+ annually based on experience.  In addition, Legal Aid offers an exceptional benefits package including healthcare insurance, employee assistance program, basic and supplemental life insurance, disability insurance, retirement savings plan with up to 13% employer contribution, paid time off, and much more.  Please visit Legal Aid’s “careers” section at www.lasclev.org for more information.

To Apply:  Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to careers@lasclev.org listing “Paralegal” in the subject line of the email.  Applications will be accepted until March 31, 2015.

Legal Aid is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate because of age, race, gender, religion, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.