Paralegal and Pro Bono Coordinator
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Job Description
The Legal Services Center (LSC) of Harvard Law School seeks to hire a Paralegal and Pro Bono Coordinator to join our Veterans Legal Clinic. Working closely with clients and attorneys, the Paralegal and Pro Bono Coordinator performs various critical responsibilities in support of the public interest mission of the Veterans Legal Clinic. The Clinic—through which Harvard Law students receive hands-on lawyering opportunities—provides direct legal representation to low-income disabled veterans and their families. The Paralegal and Pro Bono Coordinator serves as the primary point of contact for new clients seeking assistance, as the primary administrative liaison to the Clinic’s panel of pro bono attorneys, and as the team member primarily responsible for maintaining case records, among other duties. The Clinic’s docket reflects a diverse array of practice areas, including appeals involving federal and state veterans’ benefits, discharge upgrade and correction of military records cases, and estate planning matters. The Clinic practices before agencies, in state and federal court, and before Department of Defense tribunals. Many of the Clinic’s cases raise cutting-edge issues involving the rights of disabled veterans. More about the Veterans Legal Clinic can be found here. The position represents a unique opportunity to join Harvard Law School’s clinical program, to work in a dynamic, community-based, public interest and clinical teaching law office, and to engage on critical issues in veterans advocacy.
As a Paralegal and Pro Bono Coordinator, you will:
- Conduct initial client intake phone calls and meetings, including screening cases for eligibility, gathering and organizing records and other evidence, and maintaining case files
- Triage intakes and other assignments to ensure that the most urgent matters are given proper priority
- Work closely with clients and attorneys on all aspects of the Clinic’s docket
- Serve as a liaison with pro bono attorneys, referral organizations, and other third parties
- Maintain the Clinic’s online case management system and help to manage the Clinic’s docket in other respects
- Contribute to community outreach and engagement efforts
- Provide administrative support to the Clinic’s mission in other respects as directed
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications
At least one year of relevant experience. High school graduate or equivalent. Education beyond high school may count toward experience.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
We are looking for people who have:
- Demonstrated interest in working with the veterans community
- Effective interpersonal skills, including active listening, communicating empathy, and conducting client interviews using trauma-informed approaches
- Discretion and good judgment
- Effective written, verbal, and organizational skills
- Effective administrative and time-management skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite programs
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced work environment
- Flexibility and the ability to handle multiple priorities
- Ability to work well independently and as part of a team
Additional Information
Appointment End Date: This is a two-year term appointment with potential for renewal subject to funding and departmental need.
Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week; Full-time, M-F.
Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
Pre-Employment Screening: Identity
Other Information:
All offers are made by HLS Human Resources.
This is a full-time position is based at the Legal Services Center in Jamaica Plain, MA. The position may be performed on a hybrid schedule subject to managerial approval.
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Work Format Details
This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.
Salary Grade and Ranges
This position is salary grade level 051. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.
Benefits
Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:
- Generous paid time off including parental leave
- Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
- Retirement plans with university contributions
- Wellbeing and mental health resources
- Support for families and caregivers
- Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
- Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks
Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.
EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement
Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.
Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.