Tacomaprobono Community Lawyers Housing Justice Project Paralegal Tacoma, WA · Full time Company website

Apply for Housing Justice Project Paralegal

Position Title: Housing Justice Project Paralegal

Position Location: Tacoma, WA

Reports To: Housing Justice Project Managing Attorney

Full-time /Part-time: Full-time, Hourly

FLSA Status (Exempt / Non-exempt): Non-exempt

Benefits Eligible (Yes/No): Yes

Paralegal Job Summary

The primary responsibility of the HJP Pre-ACT Paralegal is to support these attorneys. An HJP Pre-ACT Paralegal position is heavily public facing and involves frequent client interaction. Our HJP Pre-ACT Paralegals perform case management functions for our staff attorneys, including filing pleadings and other legal documents in active litigation. Our HJP Pre-ACT Paralegals also conduct new client intakes, schedule clients, perform various functions to prepare clients to meet with our attorneys, support our attorneys at legal clinics, and sometimes attend public outreach events.

The HJP pre-ACT Paralegal works collaboratively with other Tacomaprobono staff to provide professional, client-centered representation to low-income individuals facing housing and eviction-related issues. This position includes some work-from-home options, but also requires regular time in office, as well as attendance at remote clinics held in Pierce County and south King County.

Qualifications and Functions of a Paralegal

• Knowledge of Washington housing law, or a commitment to learn and continue to expand knowledge in this specialized field
• Litigation and direct client management experience
• Demonstrated experience working directly with low-income clients, individuals from diverse ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds, survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault, and individuals from historically marginalized and oppressed communities
• Established commitment to providing legal assistance to low-income clients
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively with others
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and LegalServer or other case management software
• Prepare and manage a high-volume caseload, including client intake and maintaining potential client contact
• Calendar and confirm court hearings and other dates, and manage attorney calendars and schedules
• File pleadings and other legal documents with various courts
• Proofread and edit documents as needed
• Set-up, organize, and maintain client files in LegalServer and Dropbox, including adding HJP client outcomes
• Maintain and search databases (LINX, JIS, etc.)
• Work with clients to gather and convey information and ensure all relevant documents are brought to appointments
• As necessary, prepare for trials; organize exhibits, witness materials, the trial notebook, and other supporting documents; coordinate trial logistics
• Maintain relevant resources and update quarterly
• Provide support for community outreach events
• Work on special projects and perform other job duties as assigned

In Office

• Meet with clients to prepare answers or notices of appearance pre-eviction
• Interview clients and draft necessary documents (limited dissemination, stay/vacate)
• Provide clients with relevant resources and packets (small claims, limited dissemination, stay/vacate)

Tenant Rights Clinics

• Manage clinics and ensure correct legal issues are scheduled in LegalServer
• Facilitate clinics as needed
• Check clients out after attorney advice and schedule follow-up as needed
• Ensure all drafted letters are mailed to opposing counsel/party

Work Hours

Full-time: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM (35 hours/week).

Hybrid schedule available upon approval.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions. Ability to sit and/or stand for extended periods of time; interact with computer screens and manipulate essential computer components (i.e., mouse and keyboard). Mobility around the office, and abilities to bend/stoop, push/pull, and perform unassisted lifting consistent with the job duties are required.

Compensation and Benefits

The hourly rate for this position is $29.12. Tacomaprobono is committed to a work environment that supports a healthy work-life balance. We offer a comprehensive compensation package that includes the following benefits:

• 11 paid holidays each year
• Generous paid vacation time ranging from 5 to 20 days annually, based on tenure
• Two-week paid office closure during the holiday season between Christmas and New Year's Day
• Paid sick leave accrued at 1 hour for every 35 hours worked, with a generous carryover policy
• Paid bereavement leave
• Paid parental and family leave
• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Up to 3% employer match after one year of employment
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contributions
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

In addition, we pay 100% of employee premiums for health, vision, dental, and EAP benefits, offer discounted pet insurance, and pay 50% of dependent and spouse coverage.

To Apply

To be considered for this position, please submit a letter of interest and resume to [email protected].

Disclaimer: The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the position. Also, duties and/or requirements of this position may be modified, added or deleted at any time. All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: Tacomaprobono Community Lawyers is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, Veteran and/or military status, protected medical leaves, domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, and any other status protected by state or federal law. 

Our Mission

The mission of Tacomaprobono Community Lawyers is to combat systemic racism and other forms of discrimination by expanding access to civil legal justice. We provide free holistic legal services, including representation, advice, and education to those persons who by reason of poverty are unable to effectively access the legal system. 

To further this mission, Tacomaprobono develops and manages a wide variety of service delivery programs, including ongoing cooperative work with other legal aid and social service providers. Working collaboratively with these organizations, Tacomaprobono identifies and addresses legal need and barriers to access; makes volunteer, educational and support opportunities available to volunteer attorneys, paralegals and students in Pierce County; and works to remove barriers which deny justice to underserved and marginalized individuals and communities by providing efficient, effective legal services addressing both individual client legal issues and systemic issues affecting our diverse client population.