PROGRAM SUMMARY:
California Indian Legal Services (CILS) is a statewide, tribally controlled, non-profit corporation that provides legal services to Indian Tribes, Indian organizations and low-income Native Americans on issues involving Federal Indian Law. CILS provides a variety of legal services including brief counsel and advice and extended representation on core legal issues affecting Native Americans and Indian Tribes. CILS is involved in litigation, policy analysis and advocacy, and provides transactional services to tribes involving economic development and tribal infrastructure. CILS maintains four field offices throughout California– Bishop, Escondido, Eureka, and Sacramento. This position is based out of the Eureka Field Office. For additional information about CILS, check out:
POSITION SUMMARY
Under the supervision of the Directing Attorney, this is a position devoted to enhancing attorney effectiveness by providing information-management support, administrative and clerical support in a legal office environment. The work is specialized and requires knowledge of the preparation and processing requirements of legal documents, legal terminology, civil procedures and discovery, sources of law and the court system.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES Answer and direct incoming calls to appropriate staff, refer ineligible callers to other resource providers as appropriate and document all calls per program policy and procedures. Greet and maintain professional tact in dealing with or assisting CILS clients, tribal members, tribal officials, outside counsel or other CILS visitors. Sort and distribute daily mail, faxes, and process outgoing mail. Maintain general organization and function of the office, ensuring supplies are stocked and well- coordinated with office staff. Manage office systems including phone and voicemail system, database, mailing and faxing, office supplies and equipment, and coordinate office cleaning to ensure professional, efficient, and timely workflow of day-to-day operations of office. Create, maintain, and organize case and correspondence files including case file tickling with attention to detail and minimal supervision. Conserves attorneys' time by reading, reviewing, verifying, and routing correspondence, reports and legal documents; drafting simple letters and legal documents; collecting information; initiating telecommunications; organizing attorney-client meetings including preparing attorneys for meetings and court by providing meeting packets and fact summaries, travel arrangements and directions; scheduling couriers, court reporters, witnesses, and other special functions; preparing expense/reimbursement reports; post-meeting/court follow up to ensure calendars, case files and case management system are updated accordingly and timely. Represents attorney by communicating and obtaining information; following-up on delegated assignments; willingness to ask for direction yet provide degree of self-motivation and problem solving. Be willing to learn, interpret and apply a variety of tribal and state laws, rules, or procedures as directed by staff attorneys. Must communicate professionally and maintain a positive rapport with all staff. This position is designed to support all staff in the office. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS Minimum of 2-3 years' experience – Any combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying; typical education would include a high school diploma, or equivalent and legal secretarial course work. Highly organized and able to analyze and present ideas clearly and concisely. Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills – ability to communicate empathetically but productively with callers in crisis. Comfortable with a variety of computer programs including web-based case management systems. Ability to work productively and empathetically with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Ability to take initiative and work independently, as well as part of a team. DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS Fast learner Prior legal services experience. Demonstrated interest in Native American rights, public interest law, and/or commitment to working with low-income and other disadvantaged clients. SALARY:
Competitive salary is $21.63. Salary range for position is $21.63-28.72 per hour D.O.E. CILS creates job position wage and salary ranges using data from California non-profit legal services annual data sources; employees are placed within a range depending on degrees, certifications, experience, qualifications, and other factors.
BENEFITS:
CILS offers family/partner medical, vision and dental benefits, AD&D, short & long-term disability insurances, life insurance, Section 125 Flexible Spending Accounts, generous leave policies, and potential for annual performance incentive.
TO APPLY:
Submit a resume and cover letter to Eureka Directing Attorney Denise Bareilles via e-mail at EUR- . We will accept applications until we fill the position, but CILS does not accept incomplete applications.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $21.63 - $28.72 per hour
Benefits:
Dental insurance Disability insurance Flexible spending account Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Schedule:
8 hour shift Monday to Friday Experience:
office administration: 2 years (Required) legal secretarial: 1 year (Required) non-profit organization: 1 year (Preferred) Work Location: In person
