Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania (LASP) · 1 month ago
Helpline Pro Bono Bankruptcy Paralegal
Norristown, PA
Full-time
Onsite
Entry, Mid Level
2+ years expLegal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania (LASP) seeks a full-time Paralegal for the Centralized Helpline to support a new Consumer Debt and Bankruptcy Project. The role involves assisting clients with legal forms, coordinating services with pro bono attorneys, and managing case files to expand LASP's capacity to serve individuals facing consumer debt issues.
AdviceLegalProfessional Services
Responsibilities
Interview prospective clients by phone or in person, investigate facts, and conduct legal research to assist with determination of the level of service to be provided to the client
Under the supervision of the experienced bankruptcy attorney, provide advice and counsel to clients, conduct brief services to address client needs and obtain information through letter writing, e-mail, and telephone calls; and prepare legal documents which may include pleadings and petitions, affidavits, declarations, motions, memoranda, briefs, discovery requests, and documents responsive to discovery requests
Conduct checks with the Pennsylvania Disciplinary Board to determine if a volunteer attorney is in good standing; Assist new volunteers in obtaining admissions to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
Assist volunteers in obtaining a Case Management/Electronic Case File (CM/ECF) login and provide access to the cloud-based online bankruptcy filing software
File documents in court
Create and maintain case files in LASP's computer case management system pursuant to LASP standards, complete administrative tasks including, but not limited to, entering notes into the case management system
Organize information and use technical resources so that information necessary to assist applicants and clients is easy to access and can be transferred to other staff for extended representation
Assist participating attorneys in the preparation of witnesses, evidence, and exhibits for hearings and trials
Assist the office in its effort to promote pro bono service by maintaining pro bono cases in LASP’s case management system and assist pro bono attorneys by organizing information and supporting clients
Conduct outreach, clinics, community education, and workshops
Maintain awareness of community resources to help LASP’s client population
Engage in LASP team efforts to achieve office and program goals, including participation in program-wide affinity groups and task forces
Ensure compliance with requirements of grants and contracts which may provide funding for the position, assist with contract and grant reports, and keep detailed contemporaneous time records
Develop skills and substantive knowledge through training, CLE, and other educational opportunities
Assist in maintaining a trauma informed environment, including staying current on developments in priority service areas
Abide by all applicable professional standards of ethics and practice; and
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned
Qualification
Required
Associate or bachelor's degree
At least 2 years' experience as a paralegal or related experience and/or training
Demonstrated proficiency in computer technology, including Microsoft products (particularly Word and Excel), electronic mail, record and timekeeping software, routine database activity, word processing, spreadsheet, graphics, etc
Excellent communication, time management, and organization skills
Preferred
Spanish language fluency is desirable
Benefits
401K retirement plan with generous employer contributions
Health insurance option in which 100% of premium costs are provided
Ancillary benefits
Generous leave provisions including paid holidays, floating holidays, personal leave, vacation, sick, and parental leave
Company
Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania (LASP)
Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania (LASP) provides free civil legal services in Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties, with local offices in Bristol, Doylestown, Chester city, Media, Norristown, Pottstown and West Chester.
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageLeadership Team
Shawn Boehringer
Executive Director
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