Legal Secretary

at  California Rural Legal Assistance Inc

WHO WE ARE: Founded in 1966, CRLA has a rich history of community-led advocacy impacting farmworkers, indigenous populations, individuals with disabilities, immigrant populations, LGBTQ+ communities, women, children, and low-income families in rural areas. Through a network of regional offices and cross-cutting programs, CRLA provides legal services to tens of thousands of low-income people annually. CRLA seeks individuals who embody our values of being committed to justice, compassionate, radical, and community-led to join the front lines across rural California in our mission to dismantle unjust systems through community lawyering.

The Community Equity Initiative (CEI) is a CRLA program focused on disadvantaged unincorporated communities and their infrastructure and environmental justice legal needs. CEIs work focuses on long-term cases representing community groups in complex matters which can add additional complexities to maintaining case files. The Tulare office, where the Legal Secretary will be located, will be CRLAs newest office opening in July 2024. CRLA is looking for a highly organized Legal Secretary who enjoys working with community residents and as part of a larger team.

• Position: Legal Secretary
• Experience: 1 + years of experience as a Legal Secretary or equivalent experience providing administrative support
• Application Deadline: Open until filled
• Location: Tulare, Fresno, Salinas, ModestoOffice
• Other: FLSA Non-Exempt, Union Position, Full-Time

QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least one year of legal secretarial experience or equivalent.
• Type 55-60 w.p.m.
• Knowledge of computer software, including, but not limited to, Microsoft Windows.
• WordPerfect, Microsoft Office Suite, Table of Authorities, Internet & email skills.
• Ability to learn data entry and correctly enter information into CRLAs case management system.
• Knowledge of or ability to learn and obtain proficiency in all office equipment functions such as copiers, fax, and scanners.
• Ability to work collaboratively with all CRLA staff, clients, and community organizations.
• Ability to maintain client confidentiality at all times.
• Bilingual (English & Spanish).

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE-A HIGHLY QUALIFIED AND DESIRABLE CANDIDATE WOULD ALSO HAVE THE FOLLOWING:

• Experience working with low-income families and communities.
• Experience in a non-profit legal services environment.
• Prior experience in legal services.
  This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

• Drafts a variety of legal correspondence, forms, petitions, pleadings, motions, and discovery and informational material.
• Types, reviews, and independently composes outgoing correspondence to ensure all legal documents/enclosures are in proper processing order and that correspondence is grammatically correct.
• Files documents with the court and stay updated with changes in local court rules and procedural requirements for litigation.
• Maintains records relating to legal matters in process and ensures that legal requirements and deadlines are met.
• Performs various responsible secretarial duties such as setting up and/or maintaining filing systems and appointment calendars, answering inquiries over the phone or in person, and managing secretarial and administrative details with minimum direction.
• Operates a variety of office machines.
• Input case and project information into CMS, including time records, calendaring, and other information as directed.
• Provides support to and works closely with the CEI Administrative Legal Secretary as needed.
• Assists with library maintenance.
• Performs other normal law office duties as assigned.