SEIU Local 721

Paralegal

Based in Los Angeles, CA

 

WHO WE ARE:
SEIU 721 is a dynamic and fast-growing labor organization recognized as one of the largest and strongest unions of publicly funded employees in the nation. We represent over 98,000 members and have over 180 staff employees covering 6 counties in Southern California, including Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange, and Riverside counties and numerous cities in these regions. Our members provide public services in diverse fields, including health care, social services, special districts, private non-profits, libraries, courts, parks and recreation, public works and mental health. They care for the sick, protect the quality of the drinking water, keep records in the courts, administer benefits for poor people, maintain the libraries, help run the jails, protect our communities' most vulnerable members, maintain the streets, work with parolees, groom and maintain the beaches, and provide many other services to keep counties and cities running. They are the frontline workers who defended us from the pandemic.

SEIU 721 is on the forefront of local politics, defends public services in the face of budget challenges, organizes workers in the public and private sectors, and serves as key players in national reform efforts. Through grassroots organizing, identifying, and developing leaders within our Union, and organizing worker political power, we are on the front lines of holding government accountable, ensuring efficiency, tackling waste, and improving services.

SEIU 721 represents public service workers across Southern California who is committed to their communities’ health and safety.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Paralegal reports to the General Counsel and works closely with our internal and external counsel to provide support on the management of cases litigated on behalf of our members. Under general supervision, this position maintains accurate records of case filings, conducts a high level of correspondence with outside counsel as well as directly with our membership, and works with employers to ensure settlement agreements are enforced. This position is responsible for creating and maintaining systems to allow cases to flow freely and developing a robust knowledge base for our legal team to draw upon when acting in the best interest of our members.    

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• Conduct legal research
• Assist attorneys in preparing and filing legal documents such as pleadings and briefs
• Prepare and manage arbitration exhibits
• Conduct and record interviews with members to gather relevant case information
• Draft correspondence and legal documents, including letters and memos
• Review and respond to all document subpoenas and act as the Local’s Custodian of Records
• Organize and maintain case files, ensuring all documents are current and property filed
• Assist in preparation of client updates, case summaries, and status reports.
• Maintain and update case management systems and databases.
• Participate in department meetings, take minutes and follow up on action items
• Conduct research on cases and compile data as needed
• Execute filings within the parameters of a number of different courts and administrative agencies
• Review and analyze arbitration awards and settlement agreements for accuracy and compliance
• Maintain communication with members, opposing counsel, and other personnel.
• Collaborate with other team members and departments to ensure smooth workflow
• Correspond with outside counsel and utilize case management system to record all relevant case events
• Provide administrative support, such as scheduling appointments, managing calendars, and handling correspondence
• Maintain confidentiality of member information and adhere to ethical and professional standards.
• Assist with special projects as assigned
• Performs other related duties as required

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience supporting a legal team, preferably within a union environment;
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice and building power for workers via the labor movement;
• Ability to communicate, work effectively and relate respectfully with a diverse membership and staff;        
• Ability to work independently and respond quickly to shifting priorities and rush deadlines;
• Ability to effectively multi-task and management time efficiently;
• Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate;
• Strong verbal and written communication skills;
• Excellent computer skills in Microsoft Windows environment. Must include Excel and advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word;
• Familiarity with law firm practice management software;
• Excellent organizational skills;
• Ability to maintain confidentiality;
• Basic knowledge of worker’s rights;
• Willingness to work long and irregular hours and participate in all union wide activities;
• Valid driver’s license, working automobile and valid auto insurance with minimum level of coverage required by the union;
• Advanced oral and written communication skills.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred and/or combination of certification and experience required to act as a paralegal as required by the state of California
• Minimum one (1) years’ experience in a paralegal capacity

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

• Annual Salary Range is between $64,000.00 and $70,000.00.
• Fully paid benefit package including medical, dental, vision and a generous life insurance.

TO APPLY:
Mail, fax or e-mail a cover letter, detailed résumé, two-page writing sample and the name, job title, address, and phone number of three professional references to:

Human Resources Department
SEIU Local 721 Suite 100
1545 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90017
Fax: (213) 402-3590
E-mail: careers@seiu721.org

SEIU Local 721 is an affirmative action employer and encourages applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, ethnicity, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, or disability. SEIU Local 721 works to ensure fair treatment of applicants and employees and actively enforces zero tolerance policies against discrimination and sexual harassment.

Position will remain open until filled.