Helpline Pro Bono Bankruptcy Paralegal

Legal Aid of Southeastern PA (“LASP”) seeks a full-time Paralegal for the Centralized Helpline to support a new Consumer Debt and Bankruptcy Project.

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At a glance

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Legal Aid of Southeastern PA (“LASP”) seeks a full-time Paralegal for the Centralized Helpline to support a new Consumer Debt and Bankruptcy Project. LASP serves individuals with limited income, older adults, veterans and domestic violence survivors from Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery counties facing issues regarding housing, including landlord-tenant law and foreclosure; family law; protection from domestic violence; consumer; employment; and public benefits.  The position is full-time and will be based in Norristown. 

Key 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.

The Successful Candidate

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. Spanish language fluency is desirable.

Apply now