Paralegal - Pro Bono Involvement Unit

JOB TITLE: Paralegal, Pro Bono Involvement Unit. Full Time, permanent, exempt, staff position.

SCHEDULE: Monday-Friday, from 9:00am-5:00pm. Thirty-five (35) hours per week.

REPORTS TO: Director of Pro Bono Services 

OFFICE LOCATION: 1671 Worcester Road, Suite 203, Framingham, MA 01701

HYBRID WORK: The paralegal is required to work in-person at least two (2) days a week. 

SALARY RANGE: Salary is based on a union scale with a base wage of $51,500 plus experience credit if applicable. 

BENEFITS: Strong benefits package includes generous paid time off leave, 100% employer paid medical, dental, and vision insurance, employer match on retirement contributions, travel expense reimbursement plan, a multi-lingual increment for demonstrated language skills, and professional development opportunities.

Summary of Position:

Founded in 1976, MWLS provides free civil legal services to protect and advance the rights and the well-being of people living in poverty, people age 60 years and older, people with disabilities, and otherwise disenfranchised individuals living in the communities we serve. Through its Pro Bono Services program, MWLS provides clients with volunteer counsel who handle their legal matters at no cost. MWLS seeks a paralegal who will work to support the Director of Pro Bono Services in all aspects of the operation of this program. MWLS is committed to providing a welcoming, equitable and inclusive workplace and encourages applicants from a broad range of backgrounds to apply for positions. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Serve as a point of contact for MWLS clients by orientating clients to MWLS’ pro bono services, conducting intakes for people applying for legal services, gathering client documents, and providing on-going case management.
• Coordinate weekly in-person Lawyer for the Day programs at various courthouses within the MWLS service area by conducting client intake, assisting volunteer attorneys with case preparation and program logistics, and collecting and organizing client documentation to support the delivery of legal services.
• Coordinate various events throughout the year including in-person and virtual training for volunteer attorneys.
• Serve as a point of contact for volunteer attorneys by orientating them to MWLS’ pro bono process, assisting with referrals, coordinating meetings between attorneys and clients, and other forms of case management.
• Draft legal documents in preparation for court filings such as legal complaints, pleadings, motions, and affidavits.
• Contribute to the development and distribution of program materials for volunteer attorneys.
• Coordinate events that promote the recruitment and/or retention of volunteer attorneys.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with community partners, attorneys, bar associations, and other professional groups to promote the work of MWLS of Pro Bono.

• Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree or Paralegal Certificate is preferred. 
• 0- 3 years of prior experience providing paralegal support in a legal aid office preferred.
• Spoken fluency in Spanish or Portuguese is strongly preferred. Language competencies will be tested during the interview process.
• Commitment to race equity, anti-racism and economic justice in the workplace and in the provision of legal services.
• Demonstrated commitment and/or experience working with individuals who may have experienced poverty, trauma or discrimination, or possess lived experience in these areas.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally with clients, volunteer attorneys, community partners and other stakeholders. 
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team; flexible and adaptable. 
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail and deadlines; ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to travel throughout the MWLS service area and to occasional statewide events.
• Candidates may be required to provide a writing sample as part of this hiring process.