The mission of MetroWest Legal Services is to provide legal advocacy to protect and advance the rights of the poor, elderly, disabled and other disenfranchised people in our service area and to assist them in obtaining legal, social and economic justice.

Under the oversight of the Director of Pro Bono Services, the paralegal shall:

Responsibilities:

• Supports the Director of Pro Bono Services in all aspects of the operation of the program.
• Conducts client intakes, meets with clients, gathers documents, prepares correspondence, schedules client meetings, and advises clients and volunteers on procedures and protocols.
• Prepares summaries of cases after advice calls for referrals and assists in the assignment and referral of cases to volunteer attorneys and manages continued relations and forward moving of cases.
• Coordinates and is responsible for the logistics of the orientation sessions, clinics, LFD programs, trainings, and other PBI events
• Assists with the development and compilation, presentation and distribution of orientation and training program materials
• Assists with the management, retention and expansion of the volunteer base.
• Responsible for scheduling and assisting in the implementation of recruitment events and recognition events, as well as assisting in the organizations and implementation of a variety of program events and activities that promote the recruiting and retention of Pro Bono attorneys and other volunteers.
• Assists with grant reporting and fundraising activities.
• Engages in outreach to community organizations and partners, attorneys, social organizations and others to promote the activities of the Pro Bono Unit and develop, maintain and encourage collaborations and partnerships.
• Attend bar association meetings and other events to encourage, promote and retain collaboration with other organizations, attorneys and volunteers.
• Assist with developing outreach and other social media avenues to increase relations with community partners.
• Contribute new ideas to expand and improve all aspects of the unit, it functions within MWLS and in the community.
• Participates in unit and other staff meetings.
• Review active cases and close cases in a timely manner in accordance with office procedures.

Qualifications/Competencies include:

• Associates Degree required; Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Proven interest in and commitment to advocacy for the legal rights of low-income and other vulnerable populations.
• Must be able to communicate effectively in writing and orally with clients, staff, volunteers, court personnel and other agencies.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Must be self-directed, motivated and detail oriented.
• Ability to meet deadlines and manage tasks independently
• Must be able to appropriately prioritize and re-prioritize task based on changing circumstances
• Interest in and some experience working with low-income populations.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated understanding and commitment to anti-bias principles, cultural competency and addressing systemic racism and other forms of oppression.
• Enthusiasm, creativity, good judgment, initiative, and willingness to work collaboratively.
• Bilingual in Spanish or Portuguese helpful.

Salary/Benefits: Salary is based on a union scale with a starting wage of $43,500. Benefits package include generous PTO leave, 100% employer paid medical, dental, and vision insurance, employer match on retirement contributions, student loan repayment assistance program for eligible attorneys and extensive professional development opportunities.

To Apply: Candidates should submit a cover letter addressing your interest and experience in poverty/public interest law, resume, and brief writing sample via email to jobs@mwlegal.org. Applicant applications will be considered on a rolling basis.

MWLS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and strives to ensure that our staff members reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. MWLS encourages applicants from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences.