HCRU Paralegal, Economic Justice Team

About the Role

Community Legal Services (CLS) seeks a full-time paralegal for the Homeownership and Consumer Rights Unit (HCRU). The HCRU represents homeowners facing mortgage and tax foreclosures and pursues economic justice for clients harmed by abusive, unfair, or predatory practices, focusing on consumer debt including student loans.

Key Responsibilities

• Interviewing clients seeking legal help, gathering related documents and information.
• Drafting correspondence to clients and opposing parties.
• Assisting attorneys defending clients facing debt collection lawsuits.
• Under the supervision of an attorney, advising clients on how to protect their limited income from seizure.
• Writing demand letters.
• Negotiating agreements with collectors and opposing counsel.
• Supporting the team’s affirmative litigation to combat misconduct by debt collectors, loan servicers, and predatory institutions.
• Assisting student loan borrowers in applying for loan discharges, financial hardship claims, and consolidation and rehabilitation plans.
• Helping clients obtain credit reports, report consumer fraud, and file complaints with consumer protection agencies.
• Creating and revising “Know Your Rights” materials.
• Presenting at community education workshops to educate individuals and community organizations about their legal rights.
• Engaging in advocacy campaigns for court reforms and legislative changes.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• High School Diploma or GED
• Strong writing skills
• Strong computer literacy including proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Proven ability to interact well in a multi-cultural environment.
• Prohibition of AI in application materials; all materials must be the applicant's own.

Qualifications

• Fluency in writing and speaking a language other than English, preferably Spanish (Preferred)
• Experience with a social services agency or a nonprofit organization that advocates on behalf of the poor (Preferred).
• Experience in legislative or administrative advocacy, community outreach and education (Preferred).
• Strong and proven commitment to racial justice work and advocacy (Preferred).

Compensation

• Current minimum starting salary: $50,850 for entry-level applicants.
• Salary increases with relevant years of experience according to the collective bargaining agreement.
• Position covered by the collective bargaining agreement between CLS and the National Union of Hospital and Health Care Employees, AFL-CIO and its affiliate District 1199C.

Benefits

• 100% employer-paid medical (including gender affirming care), life, and short/long-term disability benefits.
• 403(b)-retirement plan with employer contribution.
• Generous leave package, including 13 paid holidays and 7 personal holidays each year.