Homeownership & Consumer Rights Unit Paralegal (Economic Justice)
Location: United States
Type: Full Time
Min. Experience: Entry Level
CLS seeks a full-time paralegal for the Homeownership and Consumer Rights Unit (HCRU). The HCRU represents homeowners facing mortgage and tax foreclosures and pursues economic justice for clients harmed by abusive, unfair, or predatory practices. This paralegal will work with our economic justice practice group, focusing on consumer debt including student loans.
Credit on fair terms can help borrowers bridge budget gaps and access education and assets to build financial stability. But far too often debt deepens financial distress. Predatory lenders and collectors add to the burden. Credit products may have features like high fees and interest that increase the likelihood that a borrower will fall behind. Loan servicers, particularly those in the student loan industry, may make it difficult for borrowers to access programs designed to provide payment relief. And some collectors engage in abusive tactics, scaring borrowers to pay on the debt rather than purchase food and medicine, or even suing on alleged debts without adequate proof. These practices disproportionately affect Black and Brown Philadelphians, widening the existing racial wealth gap.
The HCRU works to bring economic justice to low-income Philadelphians struggling with debt or facing unfair debt collection practices. We represent clients facing debt collection lawsuits related to consumer debt, protect clients’ income and ability to bank when their accounts are garnished, and we assist student loan borrowers in applying for loan forgiveness and affordable payment programs. We also engage in court reform efforts to stop abusive debt collection practices and work with law makers to address systemic injustices. We empower and train clients and community organizations about their legal rights. Paralegals are critical to the team, providing ongoing case support to attorneys, handling their own cases under supervision, and engaging in outreach and advocacy.
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The job duties and responsibilities necessary for this position include:
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
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 "Apply Now". You can also reach out to Crystal Stackhouse (Hiring Coordinator) [email protected]. for any questions or concerns.
What to Include in your application: Please include a cover letter, resume, three professional references from current or former supervisors (identifying your relationship), and one brief writing sample (10 pages or less).
Community Legal Services, Inc. welcomes applicants of all backgrounds to apply, and particularly encourages people who have experienced poverty or housing instability, people of color, people who identify as LGBTQ, people with disabilities, 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 would motivate you to work toward CLS’s mission and would contribute to the vitality and perspective of our organization.
This is a full-time position covered by the collective bargaining agreement between Community Legal Services, Inc. (CLS) and the National Union of Hospital and Health Care Employees, AFL-CIO and its affiliate District 1199C. The current minimum starting salary is $45,970 for entry-level applicants but that salary is subject to change or adjustment if an applicant has relevant years of experience and according to the provisions of the current collective bargaining agreement. Raises and benefits are also governed by that agreement.
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.
Credit on fair terms can help borrowers bridge budget gaps and access education and assets to build financial stability. But far too often debt deepens financial distress. Predatory lenders and collectors add to the burden. Credit products may have features like high fees and interest that increase the likelihood that a borrower will fall behind. Loan servicers, particularly those in the student loan industry, may make it difficult for borrowers to access programs designed to provide payment relief. And some collectors engage in abusive tactics, scaring borrowers to pay on the debt rather than purchase food and medicine, or even suing on alleged debts without adequate proof. These practices disproportionately affect Black and Brown Philadelphians, widening the existing racial wealth gap.
The HCRU works to bring economic justice to low-income Philadelphians struggling with debt or facing unfair debt collection practices. We represent clients facing debt collection lawsuits related to consumer debt, protect clients’ income and ability to bank when their accounts are garnished, and we assist student loan borrowers in applying for loan forgiveness and affordable payment programs. We also engage in court reform efforts to stop abusive debt collection practices and work with law makers to address systemic injustices. We empower and train clients and community organizations about their legal rights. Paralegals are critical to the team, providing ongoing case support to attorneys, handling their own cases under supervision, and engaging in outreach and advocacy.
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The job duties and responsibilities necessary for this position include:
- Interviewing clients seeking legal help either in person or by phone and gathering related documents and information;
- Drafting correspondence to clients and opposing parties and assisting attorneys defending clients facing debt collection lawsuits;
- Under the supervision of an attorney, advising clients on how to protect their limited income from seizure, writing demand letters, and negotiating agreements with collectors and opposing counsel;
- Supporting the team’s affirmative litigation to combat misconduct by debt collectors, loan servicers and predatory institutions;
- Assisting student loan borrowers in applying for loan discharges, financial hardship claims, and consolidation and rehabilitation plans;
- Helping clients obtain credit reports, report consumer fraud, and file complaints with consumer protection agencies;
- Creating and revising “Know Your Rights” materials and presenting at community education workshops to educate individuals and community organizations about their legal rights; and
- Engaging in advocacy campaigns for court reforms and legislative changes.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- High School Diploma or GED
- Strong writing skills
- Strong computer literacy including proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
- Proven ability to interact well in a multi-cultural environment.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Fluency in writing and speaking a language other than English, preferably Spanish.
- Experience with a social services agency or a nonprofit organization that advocates on behalf of the poor, or experience in legislative or administrative advocacy, community outreach and education.
- Strong and proven commitment to racial justice work and advocacy
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 "Apply Now". You can also reach out to Crystal Stackhouse (Hiring Coordinator) [email protected]. for any questions or concerns.
What to Include in your application: Please include a cover letter, resume, three professional references from current or former supervisors (identifying your relationship), and one brief writing sample (10 pages or less).
Community Legal Services, Inc. welcomes applicants of all backgrounds to apply, and particularly encourages people who have experienced poverty or housing instability, people of color, people who identify as LGBTQ, people with disabilities, 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 would motivate you to work toward CLS’s mission and would contribute to the vitality and perspective of our organization.
This is a full-time position covered by the collective bargaining agreement between Community Legal Services, Inc. (CLS) and the National Union of Hospital and Health Care Employees, AFL-CIO and its affiliate District 1199C. The current minimum starting salary is $45,970 for entry-level applicants but that salary is subject to change or adjustment if an applicant has relevant years of experience and according to the provisions of the current collective bargaining agreement. Raises and benefits are also governed by that agreement.
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.
