Bilingual Legal Assistant, Domestic Violence/Family Law Unit

  • Legal Aid DC
  • Washington, DC
  • May 15, 2023
Full time Administrative Clerical Bilingual Service Entry Level

Job Description

Legal Aid of the District of Columbia seeks an energetic and detail-oriented individual for the position of Legal Assistant to provide administrative and legal support to its domestic violence/family law and immigration law practices.

Since 1932, Legal Aid has provided civil legal assistance to clients in individual cases and engaged in systemic reform. Currently, we provide individual representation in consumer law, domestic violence/family law, housing, public benefits, and appellate matters. We also work on immigration matters and help individuals with the collateral consequences of their involvement with the criminal justice system. From the experiences of our clients, we identify opportunities for law reform, public policy advocacy, and systemic impact and appellate litigation.

Legal Aid believes that meaningful pursuit of our anti-poverty mission requires an unwavering commitment to racial justice and equity. We aspire both to reflect the rich racial diversity of the communities we serve and to value, respect, and empower our staff and clients to be effective agents of change. For more information about Legal Aid please visit our website, www.LegalAidDC.org, and our blog, www.MakingJusticeReal.org.

The Domestic Violence/Family Law Unit represents clients in a wide range of intrafamily matters in D.C. Superior Court. The Domestic Violence/Family Law Unit has three supervising attorneys, thirteen staff attorneys, and two legal assistants. Our Unit assists domestic violence survivors with Civil Protection Orders, and represents clients in custody, child support, and divorce cases. In addition to representing clients in court, our Unit participates in community outreach, interviews prospective clients, and may engage in systemic reform efforts. Legal Aid’s Domestic Violence/Family Law Unit primarily work out of our NW office, but may also work out of Legal Aid’s community office in SE. Unit staff also help at one or more of the District’s two Domestic Violence Intake Centers – in NW at the DC Superior Courthouse and in SE at the “Big Chair” office complex in Anacostia, as well as the Child Support Resource Center (CSRC) and the Family Law Assistance Network (FLAN) offices at DC Superior Court.  Our Unit also includes Legal Aid’s immigrant rights’ practice, through which we provide assistance in immigration matters, as well as holistic services across our practice areas to D.C.’s immigrant community.

Note: Legal Aid is operating with a hybrid work schedule. Several days of in-office work per week is required.

Tasks and Duties

Legal Aid is seeking a Legal Assistant/Paralegal to join our Domestic Violence/Family Law Unit and also provide support to our Immigrant’s Rights Legal Services Project. The Legal Assistant/Paralegal would be part of a dynamic team with the attorneys and other legal assistants in the Unit to ensure effective and efficient delivery of services. 

Working closely with staff attorneys in the organization, the Legal Assistant will provide vital support assisting with both client cases as well as systemic work being done in support our client community.  Responsibilities include performing basic clerical support, assisting in litigation, conducting investigations, meeting with clients, conducting initial applicant interviews and follow-ups, and working collaboratively and effectively with co-workers to ensure coverage of administrative and paralegal needs throughout Legal Aid’s offices. The Legal Assistant/Paralegal will serve as Legal Aid’s point person for referrals to and from the Victim Legal Network of DC and from community partners Carlos Rosario Public Charter School and La Clinica del Pueblo. The Legal Assistant/Paralegal may also provide on-site support for any of Legal Aid’s community or courthouse offices and may represent Legal Aid at community outreach events. A successful candidate will be someone who is fueled by Legal Aid’s mission and will want to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment that often requires multi-tasking while at the same time maintaining a high level of attention to detail. 

Required Skills and Experience

  • A demonstrated commitment to social, economic, and racial justice;
  • Excellent organizational skills, with attention to detail;
  • Ability to multi-task and prioritize assignments;
  • Effective oral communication skills, particularly telephonic communication;
  • Effective written communication skills;
  • Strong interpersonal skills and desire to take initiative in managing projects;
  • Ability to work both independently and in collaboration with others;
  • Strong computer skills including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Google applications (familiarity working with online databases helpful but not required);
  • Fluency or proficiency in Spanish, Amharic or another language prevalent in Legal Aid's client community; and
  • Availability to make a two-year commitment (minimum) strongly preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Ability to speak Spanish, Amharic, or other language.
  • A start date of June/July 2023 along with a commitment to at least two years in this role is encouraged.

Occupations

Paralegal & Legal Secretary

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Legal Aid values an inclusive, diverse workplace and encourages applications from interested persons from diverse backgrounds of any race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, personal appearance, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. We strongly encourage applications from people with personal experience with the criminal justice system and/or with lived experiences in the communities we serve. Interested persons are encouraged to apply immediately and should submit a letter of interest and resume. Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted. Position remains open until filled. Please submit cover letter and resume hereNo emails or phone calls, please.

Salary

Starting at $48,359 up to $54,574

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