Paralegal- Estate Planning/ Probate

Description

Change Lives and Transform Communities – Join Our Trust and Estates Team!

Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County (NLSLA) provides free assistance to over 175,000 individuals and families each year through innovative projects that expand access to justice. We see the law as a powerful tool for social change and we’re looking for passionate individuals to help us fight for justice.

We value diverse perspectives and experiences, and we believe that a strong community is built through inclusivity. NLSLA is proud to foster an environment that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and abilities, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply.

About the Role
In 2019, in response to the Woolsey fire, NLSLA launched a new program to assist clients with estate planning and probate matters. Recognizing the ongoing need in the communities we serve, NLSLA has continued to provide trust and estates services to low-income communities throughout Los Angeles County. Over the last 5 years, our Trust and Estate’s team has helped numerous low-income families preserve their homes and family wealth through essential estate planning services. As demand for these services grows, NLSLA is seeking an Estate Planning/ Probate Paralegal to help expand our reach.

The ideal candidate will have experience in assisting attorneys with estate planning, drafting of probate and trust documents, as well as conservatorships. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are a must.

In this role, you would report to the Director of Pro Bono. This position is non-exempt.

What You’ll Do

· Provide assistance to attorneys with estate planning, trust and probate issues.

· Conduct basic legal research, with appropriate attorney supervision.

· Conduct intakes.

· Communicate with clients via phone, email and in-person meetings to obtain information, answer questions and provide case updates.

· Facilitate communication between attorneys and clients.

· Support legal clinics.

· Ensure administrative compliance, including maintaining client files and important documents.

· Participate in outreach events and attend meetings with community partners to support increased community member access to legal services.

· This position is designated as hybrid. Employees are required to work on-site a minimum of two (2) days per week, with the remaining time eligible for remote work as business needs allow. Specific in-office days may be set by the department or manager to support team collaboration and organizational priorities.

· Travel to NLSLA program offices, courthouses, and other locations throughout Los Angeles County may be required.

Requirements

What You’ll Need

• Qualified candidates must have one (1) of the following:  

1. Paralegal Certificate
2. B.A. or B.S. degree with 1 year experience working in a law office or other legal setting under the supervision of a licensed attorney with a letter certifying the experience.
3. High School degree with 3 years’ experience working in a law office or other legal setting under the supervision of a licensed attorney with a letter certifying the experience. This experience and training would need to have been completed by December 31, 2022. 

· Minimum one (1) year of experience understanding estate planning, trust administration and probate basics.

· Effective communication skills with clients and collaboration with attorneys.

· Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive client information.

· Working knowledge of MS Office, business communication platforms, and web-based case management platforms.

· Passion for NLSLA mission and demonstrated commitment to advocating for the legal rights of low-income individuals.

· Passion, empathy, and compassion for supporting people from different lived experiences.

Bonus Points if you

· Are bilingual in Spanish, due to the high number of Spanish-speaking residents in the community, or in any of the other Los Angeles threshold languages, which is highly valued in our community outreach efforts.

Why You’ll Love Working with Us
At NLSLA, we believe in supporting our staff as they grow in their careers and live balanced lives. We offer:

• Competitive Salary: $50,000–$58,000, based on experience.
• Generous Time Off: 15 paid holidays, 2 to 5 weeks of vacation depending on seniority, and 12 days of sick leave.
• Comprehensive Benefits:
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance with a variety of plan options.
  • Basic Life and AD&D Insurance, Long-Term Disability Insurance.
  • 403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions and options for voluntary contributions.
  • Monthly bilingual supplement for qualified employees.
• A Culture of Inclusion: We are committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive work environment where everyone can thrive.
• Perks: Technology reimbursement to help you stay connected and equipped to do your best work.

NLSLA is a unionized workplace. Membership in the union is a condition of employment for this position. 

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

NLSLA is committed to provide a work environment that respects the dignity and worth of each individual and is free from all forms of employment discrimination based on each and every characteristic protected under the law and beyond.

Decisions related to hiring, compensating, training, evaluating performance, promoting, or terminating are made fairly, and are based on job-related qualities and abilities. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified candidates and employees. We examine our unconscious biases and take responsibility for always striving to create an inclusive environment that makes every employee and candidate feel welcome.

We further expect every member of the NLSLA community to do their part to cultivate and maintain an environment where everyone has the opportunity to feel included and is afforded the respect and dignity they deserve.

We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. Please note that, in limited circumstances, certain convictions may be considered incompatible with the responsibilities of specific roles, particularly where the safety and well-being of vulnerable client populations are a concern.

NLSLA’s Commitments

We are committed to fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging within our organization and the communities we serve. We achieve this through:

· Continuous Learning: Cultivating cultural competency and humility among staff through ongoing training, open dialogue, and self-reflection.

· Equitable Practices: Regularly reviewing and revising policies, procedures, and decision-making processes to ensure fairness and access for all.

· Strategic Resource Allocation: Directing resources towards initiatives that empower communities.

· Meaningful Community Engagement: Partnering with the communities we serve to co-create solutions and foster trust.

· A Respectful Workplace: Providing a work environment free from discrimination and where every individual is valued, heard, and respected for their unique contributions.