Legal Assistant at ACLU Foundation of San Diego & Imperial Counties in San Diego, California

Job Description:

Reports to: Legal Program Manager/ Paralegal
Location: San Diego
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Salary Range: $22.00 - $23.50 per hour
The ACLU Foundation of San Diego & Imperial Counties (ACLUF-SDIC) is seeking a full-time Bilingual (Spanish) Legal Assistant to join the legal department by July 1, 2021. The position reports to the Legal Program Manager.
The ACLUF-SDIC is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 civil liberties and civil rights organization working to advance equality, freedom and justice together with our 501(c)4 organization, the American Civil Liberties Union of San Diego & Imperial Counties (ACLU-SDIC). We work collaboratively with two other ACLU affiliates in California, with ACLU affiliates nationwide and with the National ACLU. In addition, we value partnerships and collaboration with community organizations and groups across the state and along the U.S.-Mexico border.
The ACLUF-SDIC and ACLU-SDIC have proven track records of success using impact litigation, policy advocacy, strategic communications and community organizing to defend and preserve the individual rights and freedoms guaranteed to all people in this country by the Constitution and U.S. laws.
Position Overview
The full-time legal assistant, under the supervision of the Legal Program Manager, will be the initial point of contact for all intake and provide legal administrative support to staff attorneys. This position requires the ability to maintain confidentiality, exercise sound judgment, multi-task, meet deadlines and use discretion in performing the assigned job responsibilities.
Administrative Responsibilities

Provide administrative support to the legal department under the supervision of the Legal Program Manager
Prepare expense reimbursements, check and credit card requests
Make travel arrangements for attorneys and clients
Draft correspondence, format and mail letters and faxes
Organizing, filing, scanning/copying materials
Logistical support for meetings in/out of the office
Translations as necessary

Legal Support Responsibilities:

Initial point of contact for all legal intakes including phone calls, letters and responses; enter and track intakes into case management database; run reports
Assistance with document preparation for large filings in state, federal and immigration court

Assistance with the maintenance of legal files, both paper and electronic, including pleadings, discovery, correspondence, etc.

Assist with maintaining offsite storage management

Communicate with community organizations, groups, and associations, to educate them about ACLU mission, exchange information, and/or refer clients or issues for legal program.
Coordinate Imperial Legal Orientation Project trips to the Imperial Regional Detention Center once a month and work with volunteers to complete follow-up assignments

Conduct interviews for intake purposes at our local immigration detention centers such as the Imperial Regional Detention Center and the Otay Mesa Detention Center.

Performs other assignments and duties as assigned by the Legal Program Manager and Legal Director; duties may require work some evenings and weekends and to travel around San Diego and Imperial counties.

Our "Must Have's"
The ACLU Foundation of San Diego & Imperial Counties encourages qualified candidates of all backgrounds to apply. An individual joining the ACLU-SDIC must have a strong commitment to the mission, vision and goals of the ACLU. This individual must have a strong commitment to social equity and demonstrable understanding of how power is manifested in matters of race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, ability and socio-economic circumstances. They must be committed to teamwork, have an exceptional ability to stay organized and possess keen attention to detail. They must be able to successfully manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and demonstrate confidence working with diverse stakeholders. The ideal candidate for this position will have:

Prior legal assistant or comparable experience highly desired.

Strong computer skills in Microsoft Windows environment, Outlook, Word, Excel, Adobe Acrobat software.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team, meet deadlines, take initiative, maintain confidentiality, and possess strong organizational skills.

Strong attention to detail and ability to juggle multiple priorities effectively.

Must have an excellent phone manner and strong interpersonal skills, especially the ability to communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds, including but not limited to people impacted by trauma, incarceration, and/or civil or human rights violations.

Fluency in spoken and written Spanish required.

What Else You Should Know
Starting salary range: $22.00 - $23.50 per hour. This position is non-exempt. Salary dependent on experience.
Excellent benefits include four weeks paid vacation; 18 office holidays; medical and dental insurance for staff members, and their families; life and long-term disability insurance; and 401(k) plan with employer match.
Physical Requirements
While performing the responsibilities of the job, the employee is required to exchange accurate information, detect/identify documents and the information contained in them, move between areas in and out of the office to complete their role. The employee may need to move various equipment including computer to their work location.
What Now?
Please submit a cover letter explaining your interest in and qualifications for the position as detailed in this announcement; a current resume; three professional references (including at least one supervisor, if possible.)
The ACLU is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and encourages applications from women, people of color, persons with disabilities, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals, veterans, and people with arrest records and/or convictions.