Energy Unit Paralegal

CLS is seeking a full-time Energy Unit paralegal.  Affordable home utility services are vital to health and safety of all Philadelphians. The Energy Unit, informed by the community we serve, fights to ensure that every Philadelphian has equitable access to utility services. We actively challenge policies and procedures that disproportionately impact people of color, holding utilities accountable through direct legal representation, community engagement, impact litigation and advocacy.   

The Energy Unit, informed by the community we serve, fights to ensure that every Philadelphian has equitable access to utility services. The Unit actively challenges policies and procedures that disproportionately impact people of color, holding utilities accountable through direct legal representation, community engagement, impact litigation and advocacy.   

Community Legal Services, Inc. of Philadelphia (CLS) is a non-profit public interest agency providing free civil legal services to low-income Philadelphia residents. As the largest provider of free civil legal services in the Philadelphia area, CLS is both locally and nationally renowned as a premier legal services provider dedicated to ensuring access to justice for all low-income individuals and communities. CLS has ten legal units and projects covering a wide range of civil legal services  

Energy Unit paralegals provide direct assistance to clients and further the mission of the Energy Unit by: 

• Strategically evaluating the available legal options/resources to preserve our clients’ access to utility service. 

• Developing substantive experience in utility law and relationships with providers of utility assistance. 

• Reviewing relevant statutes, regulations, and utility tariffs when assessing the merits of clients’ disputes.  

• Supporting and engaging in ongoing advocacy efforts to promote access to affordable home utility services for all Philadelphians. 

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

The job duties and responsibilities necessary for this position include:  

• Interview applicants over the telephone and/or in person; 

• Provide advice and representation to the Unit’s clients;  

• Maintain a large number of client files under the supervision of attorneys in the unit; 

• Negotiate affordable payment terms and resolution of utility disputes with PWD, PECO, and PGW, including communication with utility liaisons and advocating in writing on behalf of clients; 

• Provide representation in informal disputes at the utility level;  

• Prepare client cases for hearings before the Philadelphia Water Department, Tax Review Board, Office of Administrative Review, and Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission; 

• Help clients compile convincing evidence and assist witnesses with the preparation of oral and written testimony;  

• Conduct community education and trainings;  

• Provide advice to clients under the supervision of attorneys; 

• Attend quarterly utility advisory committee meetings, as needed; and 

• Policy advocacy is also possible. 

The ideal candidate will have the following skills and abilities: 

• Excellent oral and written communication skills. 

• Strong attention to detail. 

• Ability to use the Internet to assist with case investigations. 

• Ability to deal with a high volume of direct client interaction.  

• Knowledge of other community resources for appropriate referrals. 

• Client interviewing skills, obtaining the relevant case facts and drafting thorough notes, emails and letters. 

• Ability to negotiate favorable outcomes for clients. 

• Compassion and understanding for clients who are often dealing with significant levels of stress. 

• Ability to learn a large volume of complex material quickly, initiative, strong interpersonal skills and ability to interact well in a multi-cultural environment.  

• Willingness and motivation to assist on substantive cases and administrative matters. 

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:  

• High School Diploma or a GED is a minimum requirement.  

• Strong writing skills 

• Computer literacy 

• Fluency in writing and speaking a language other than English, preferably Spanish, is strongly preferred, but not required. 

To Apply: CLS will accept applications on a rolling basis until the position is filled.  You can submit your application on CLS’s website online at https://clsphila.org/careers/  or by clicking "Apply Now" below.

What to Include in your application: Please include a cover letter, resume, three professional references (past or current supervisors preferred) identifying your relationship, and one brief writing sample (10 pages or less). 

CLS values a diverse work environment and strongly encourages women, people of color, people who identify as LGBTQ, people with disabilities, people who have experienced poverty or homelessness and people who have had prior contact with the juvenile, criminal, or child welfare systems to apply. CLS invites all applicants to include in their cover letter a statement about how your unique background and/or experiences might contribute to the diversity, cultural vitality, and perspective of our staff and legal services practice. 

Compensation: This is a full-time position covered by the collective bargaining agreement between CLS and the National Union of Hospital and Health Care Employees, AFL-CIO and its affiliate District 1199C. The current minimum starting salary is $44,230 for entry-level applicants, which increases with relevant years of experience and according to the provisions of the current collective bargaining agreement. CLS asks for a minimum two-year commitment from individuals who accept an offer of employment for a paralegal position. 

Benefits: CLS offers a very generous and competitive benefits package including 100% employer paid medical (including gender affirming care), life, and short/long-term disability benefits, a 403(b)-retirement plan with employer contribution, and a generous leave package, including 13 paid holidays and five personal holidays each year. 

Community Legal Services, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. CLS, Inc. does not discriminate in the selection of employees on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, sexual identity, genetics, age, national origin, disability, or veteran status. In addition to federal law requirements, CLS complies with all applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.