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Legal Assistant - Court Project
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Legal Assistant - Court Project
Legal Aid Society of San Bernardino
San Bernardino or Riverside County, California
Full-Time, Non-Exempt Position
In-Person Only - No Remote or Hybrid Options
Bilingual English/Spanish Required
Annual Salary: $45,600 - $47,840 ($22.00 - $23.00 per hour)
Position Summary
The Legal Aid Society of San Bernardino seeks a bilingual (English/Spanish) Legal Assistant to join our court-based legal services project. This position provides direct assistance to self-represented litigants at a courthouse location in either San Bernardino or Riverside County. Working on-site at the courthouse, you will conduct intake interviews, help clients complete court forms, provide procedural information, and coordinate with supervising attorneys to ensure clients receive appropriate legal assistance.
This is an in-person position located at a courthouse, offering the opportunity to interact daily with community members seeking legal help. You will serve a predominantly Spanish-speaking client population and must be able to communicate fluently in both English and Spanish. Ideal candidates have strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to serving low-income, diverse communities.
Bilingual Requirement
English and Spanish fluency is required for this position. This is a bona fide occupational qualification based on the essential functions of the job and the population served.
The majority of clients served through our court project are Spanish-speaking individuals with limited English proficiency. To effectively serve these clients, the Legal Assistant must be able to:
- Conduct intake interviews in Spanish
- Explain complex legal concepts and court procedures in Spanish
- Review and assist with completing legal documents in Spanish
- Communicate legal advice and attorney guidance accurately in Spanish
- Read and comprehend legal documents in both English and Spanish
- Write clearly and accurately in both English and Spanish
Candidates must demonstrate fluency in speaking, reading, and writing in both English and Spanish. Language proficiency may be assessed during the interview process.
Important: In-Person Position at Courthouse
Work Location: This position is based full-time at a courthouse in either San Bernardino County or Riverside County. The specific courthouse location will be determined based on program needs and may be discussed during the interview process.
No Remote or Hybrid Work: This position requires daily in-person attendance at the courthouse. Remote work and hybrid arrangements are not available for this role due to the nature of providing direct public services at a court facility.
Schedule: Monday through Friday, standard business hours aligned with courthouse operating hours.
About Us
The Legal Aid Society of San Bernardino (LASSB) provides free civil legal services to low-income residents across San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. With a dedicated team of fewer than 45 staff members and volunteer attorneys, we serve over 8,000 households annually—impacting more than 20,000 individuals each year. Our court-based projects bring legal services directly to people where they need help most, with particular focus on serving Spanish-speaking communities.
Essential Functions
Client Intake and Assistance
- Conduct intake interviews with self-represented litigants in English and Spanish
- Screen potential clients for program eligibility based on income and case type
- Assess client legal needs and determine appropriate level of assistance
- Provide information about court procedures and available legal resources in the client's preferred language
- Explain legal terminology and court processes in clear, accessible language in both English and Spanish
- Maintain professional and courteous demeanor with diverse client population
- Serve as language liaison between clients and court staff or attorneys when needed
Document Preparation and Review
- Assist clients with completing California Judicial Council forms and court documents in English and Spanish
- Review documents for accuracy and completeness before filing
- Prepare declarations, attachments, and supporting documentation
- Translate or explain document content between English and Spanish as needed
- Organize and assemble complete document packets for filing
- Ensure documents comply with court rules and filing requirements
- Make copies and scan documents as needed
Case Management and Coordination
- Enter client information and services provided into case management database
- Maintain accurate records of client interactions and assistance provided
- Coordinate with supervising attorneys on complex legal issues
- Communicate legal advice from attorneys to clients in Spanish when necessary
- Schedule follow-up appointments and court dates as appropriate
- Track case outcomes and maintain statistical data for reporting
- Organize and maintain client files in compliance with organizational policies
Legal Research and Resource Navigation
- Conduct basic legal research on procedural issues and court requirements
- Stay current on changes to court forms, local rules, and procedures
- Provide referrals to appropriate legal and community resources
- Maintain knowledge of available self-help materials in English and Spanish
- Assist clients in accessing online legal information and court resources
- Identify and connect clients with Spanish-language community resources
Communication and Collaboration
- Communicate effectively with court staff, attorneys, and community partners in English and Spanish
- Participate in team meetings and case consultations
- Provide updates to supervising attorneys on client needs and program activities
- Represent LASSB professionally in courthouse setting
- Collaborate with other legal services providers as needed
- Interpret or translate communications when serving as bridge between English and Spanish speakers
Administrative Support
- Answer phone calls and respond to inquiries about services in English and Spanish
- Manage appointment scheduling and wait times
- Maintain office supplies and materials at courthouse location
- Prepare monthly reports on services provided
- Assist with community outreach activities as needed
Minimum Qualifications
Required:
- Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish (speaking, reading, and writing) - REQUIRED
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Minimum two years of experience as a legal assistant or in a related legal support role
- Strong knowledge of legal terminology in both English and Spanish
- Understanding of court procedures and legal document preparation
- Experience with client intake and providing customer service to diverse populations
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Spanish
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook)
- Ability to type accurately in both English and Spanish
- Professional demeanor and ability to maintain confidentiality
- Commitment to serving low-income, diverse communities
- Ability to work in-person at courthouse location daily
- Valid California driver's license and reliable transportation
- Ability to successfully complete background check required by funding sources and courthouse security clearance
Preferred:
- Associate's degree or higher in any field
- Experience working in family law, domestic violence, unlawful detainer, or other areas of civil law
- Prior experience working in legal aid, courthouse self-help center, or public interest law setting
- Experience serving Spanish-speaking communities
- Familiarity with California Judicial Council forms and court filing procedures
- Experience with case management software
- Knowledge of community resources in San Bernardino or Riverside Counties
- Training in trauma-informed practices or working with vulnerable populations
- Experience with translation or interpretation services
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Knowledge of California court system, procedures, and terminology in English and Spanish
- Ability to explain complex legal concepts in simple, clear language in both English and Spanish
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds
- Patience and empathy when working with clients in stressful situations
- Ability to handle high-volume public service environment
- Problem-solving skills and sound judgment
- Ability to maintain composure in challenging situations
- Cultural competency and sensitivity to Latino/Hispanic communities
- Time management and ability to prioritize tasks
- Commitment to professional development and learning
Physical Requirements and Work Environment
- Work performed entirely in-person at a courthouse location in San Bernardino or Riverside County
- Daily attendance required at courthouse during regular business hours
- Must pass courthouse security screening daily
- Work in public-facing environment with high volume of client interactions
- Primarily sedentary work at a desk or counter assisting clients
- Extended periods of computer use for data entry and document preparation
- Frequent standing and walking to assist clients and interact with court staff
- Ability to lift and carry files and materials up to 25 pounds
- Professional office environment within courthouse facility
- May be required to work in shared or open workspace
- Exposure to courthouse environment including security procedures and metal detectors
Reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
Compensation and Benefits
Annual Salary: $45,600 - $47,840, based on experience and qualifications
Hourly Rate: $22.00 - $23.00 per hour
Position Classification: Non-Exempt (eligible for overtime pay)
Employer-Paid Benefits (100% Coverage):
- Medical insurance (employee coverage fully paid by employer)
- Life insurance
- Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
Additional Benefits Available:
- Dental insurance (employee-paid, employer-facilitated)
- Vision insurance (employee-paid, employer-facilitated)
Professional Development and Support:
- Continuing education and professional development opportunities
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for counseling and wellness support
- Training on legal procedures and client services
- Mileage reimbursement for work-related travel
Work Environment Benefits:
- Supportive, mission-driven work environment
- Opportunity to make direct impact in Spanish-speaking communities
- Professional work setting at courthouse
- Qualifying employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program based on eligibility requirements
Equal Opportunity Employer
The Legal Aid Society of San Bernardino is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age (40 and over), physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, registered domestic partner status, sexual orientation, military and veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
We strongly encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds, including people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, veterans, and members of other historically underrepresented communities. We believe diverse perspectives strengthen our ability to serve our clients and community effectively.
Language Requirement: The bilingual English/Spanish requirement for this position is a bona fide occupational qualification based on the essential functions of providing direct legal services to a predominantly Spanish-speaking client population. This requirement is not intended to discriminate on the basis of national origin.
Fair Chance Hiring: In accordance with the California Fair Chance Act and applicable local ordinances, LASSB will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment.
Reasonable Accommodations: LASSB provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). If you require accommodation in the application or interview process, please contact [HR Contact Information]. All accommodation requests will be handled confidentially.
This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed in this position and is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications. LASSB reserves the right to modify job duties or job descriptions at any time in accordance with organizational needs.
The Legal Aid Society of San Bernardino is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.
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