Legal Secretary

California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc. (CRLA) is an anti-poverty law firm that dismantles unjust systems through community lawyering in California’s historically rural areas. The Legal Secretary position will support CRLA’s employment law practice area, advocating for the rights of low-wage workers in rural communities by performing various legal and administrative tasks.

Responsibilities

• 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

Skills

• 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 CRLA's 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)
• Experience working with low-income families and communities
• Experience in a non-profit legal services environment
• Prior experience in legal services

Benefits

• 100% employer-covered medical, dental, vision, life, and short & long-term disability insurance for employees and up to 50% for dependents coverage
• 401K retirement plan with CRLA contribution effective immediately
• Generous paid leave policy which includes; 15 days of sick leave, 12 days of wellness day off, 15 holidays each year, and vacation (•accrue 15 days for the first year of service and 20 days after one year of service at CRLA•)
• Multilingual differential pay of $70 for oral and $50 for written, on a pay period basis

Company Overview