Staff Paralegal Intake & Assessment (Hybrid) in Santa Ana, California at COMMUNITY LEGAL AID SOCAL

Be the trusted first voice for our community as they seek fairness, dignity, and access to legal support, join our team now!

The Intake and Assessment Paralegal will work as a member of the Intake and Assessment Unit to conduct intake and assessment of new clients via the CLA SoCal Hotline and outreach events. This full-time non-exempt position reports to the Supervising Attorney.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct client intake (phone, in-person, and outreach), gather eligibility and demographic information, and enter data into the legal database.
• Identify and document legal issues and communicate attorney advice to eligible clients.
• Ensure compliance with intake policies and support grant tracking and reporting as needed.
• Maintain accurate case notes, timekeeping, and client records in the case management system (LegalServer), including file preparation and organization.
• Support attorneys with client intake, interviews, initial appointments, and case investigations, including witness interviews and research.
• Draft and prepare legal documents, including forms, pleadings, memoranda, and correspondence; assist with citation review.
• Handle administrative duties such as calendar management, deadline tracking, e-filing, and general clerical support while maintaining strict confidentiality.
• Engage with clients and the community through effective communication, interpretation/translation (when qualified), and outreach or educational activities.
• Work with a multi-cultural perspective.
• Perform other duties as required to meet the needs of the organization.

Education:

• Paralegal certificate, paralegal degree or
• Bachelor’s degree plus at least one year of law-related experience under a qualifying attorney, with written verification of paralegal competency.

Qualifications:

• Spanish Bilingual – Required
• Valid driver’s license or reliable transportation, active insurance, and ability to travel frequently within the service area. - Required
• Experience working in a call center and utilizing a computer.
• Typing (30 wpm) and ability to use and learn technology for data entry and communication with staff and clients.
• Strong technical skills; including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams).
• Excellent analytical, communication, and listening skills.
• Ability to multitask under pressure while remaining self-motivated, quick to learn, and proactive in problem-solving.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to meet strict deadlines in a fast-paced, results-driven environment.
• Desire to learn as well as share knowledge with other team members.
• Empathetic and energetic attitude while working with others.
• Ability to interact with a wide range of clients utilizing client-centered lawyering and trauma-informed frameworks.
• Ability to model CLA SoCal’s values & Commitment to CLA SoCal’s mission – Required.

Holistic Benefits:

• May work as little as 35-hour workweek.
• Hybrid Schedule
• 16 paid holidays + PTO (including wellness days) starting Day 1
• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and long-term disability
• 401(k) with employer contribution
• Student loan reimbursement program
• Bilingual bonus pay for qualified staff

About CLA SoCal:

Community Legal Aid SoCal (CLA SoCal) is a welcoming and hopeful non-profit organization dedicated to meeting the legal needs of low-income residents and seniors throughout Orange and Los Angeles Counties. We provide equal employment opportunities. We strongly encourage all interested individuals to apply, including people of different abilities, religions, identities, orientations, nationalities, and ethnicities. All individuals who are seeking a welcoming environment who celebrate and value the unique characteristics of every member of the team who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive at CLA SoCal to apply for this role.