Community Legal Services, Inc. of Philadelphia (CLS) is a non-profit public interest organization that provides free civil legal services to low-income Philadelphia residents. As the largest provider of free civil legal services in the Philadelphia area, CLS is both locally and nationally renowned as a premier legal services provider dedicated to ensuring access to justice for low-income individuals and communities. CLS has several legal units covering a wide range of civil legal services.

CLS is seeking a full-time Energy Unit paralegal. The Energy Unit advocates zealously so that people have access to affordable water, heat, and electricity in their homes. The Energy Unit uses a cutting-edge, varied toolkit to increase access to affordable utility service for low-income Philadelphians, engaging in client representation, strategic litigation, multi-party administrative litigation, administrative and legislative advocacy at all levels of government, and media outreach and strategic communications. We also serve as Philadelphia’s Public Advocate in some utility issues, protecting the interests of consumers in rate setting and other proceedings.  

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :   

The job duties and responsibilities necessary for this position include:  

• Interview Energy applicants over the telephone and/or in person.  

• Provide advice and representation to the Unit’s clients under the supervision of an attorney.  

• Maintain a large number of client files under the supervision of attorneys in the unit.  

• Negotiate affordable payment terms and resolution of utility disputes with PWD, PECO, and PGW, including communication with utility liaisons and advocating in writing on behalf of clients.  

• Provide representation in informal disputes at the utility level.  

• Prepare client cases for hearings before the Philadelphia Water Department, Tax Review Board, Office of Administrative Review, and Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.  

• Help clients compile convincing evidence and assist witnesses with the preparation of oral and written testimony.  

• Conduct community education and training.  

• Attend quarterly utility advisory committee meetings, as needed; and  

• Policy advocacy is also possible.  

  In addition to the duties listed above, the Energy Unit paralegal will:  

• Strategically evaluate the available legal options/resources to preserve access to utility service for as long as possible.  

• Develop substantive experience in Utility law.  

• Review relevant statutes, regulations, and utility tariffs when assessing the merits of clients’ disputes.  

  The ideal candidate will have the following skills and abilities:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Strong attention to detail.

• Ability to use the Internet to assist with case investigations.  

• High tolerance for interaction with bureaucracies.  

• Ability to deal with a high volume of direct client interaction.  

• Knowledge of other community resources for appropriate referrals.  

• Client interviewing skills, obtaining the relevant case facts and drafting thorough notes, emails and letters.  

• Ability to negotiate favorable outcomes for clients.  

• Compassion and understanding for clients who are often dealing with significant levels of stress.  

• Ability to learn a large volume of complex material quickly, initiative, strong interpersonal skills and ability to interact well in a multi-cultural environment.

• Willingness and motivation to assist on substantive cases and administrative matters.

  POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• High School Diploma or a GED is a minimum requirement .

• Strong writing skills

• Strong computer literacy

• Fluency in writing and speaking a language other than English, preferably Spanish, is strongly preferred, but not required.

  To Apply: CLS will accept applications on a rolling basis until the position has been filled. However, candidates are highly encouraged to submit their application by July 15, 2024. You can submit your application on CLS’s website online (https://clsphila.org/careers/) or Energy Unit Paralegal (https://clsphiladelphia.applytojob.com/apply/VFmNJj6BoI/ENERGY-UNIT-PARALEGAL)

  What to Include in your application: Please include a cover letter, resume, three professional references from current or former supervisors, and one brief writing sample (10 pages or less).  

  CLS values a diverse work environment and strongly encourages women, people of color, people who identify as LGBTQ, people with disabilities, people who have experienced poverty or homelessness, and people who have had prior contact with the juvenile, criminal, or child welfare systems to apply.  CLS invites all applicants to include in their cover letter a statement about how your unique background and/or experiences might contribute to the diversity, cultural vitality, and perspective of our staff and legal services practice . 

  This is a full-time position covered by the collective bargaining agreement between CLS and the National Union of Hospital and Health Care Employees, AFL-CIO, and its affiliate District 1199C.  CLS asks for a minimum two-year commitment from individuals who accept an offer of employment for a paralegal position. The current minimum starting salary is $45,970 for entry-level applicants  but that salary is subject to change or adjustment if an applicant has relevant years of experience and according to the provisions of the current collective bargaining agreement. Raises and benefits are also governed by that agreement. 

  CLS offers a very generous and competitive benefits package including 100% employer-paid medical, life, and short/long-term disability benefits, a 403(b) retirement plan with employer match, and a generous leave package.  

  Community Legal Services, Inc. is an equal-opportunity employer . CLS, Inc. does not discriminate in the selection of employees on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, sexual identity, genetics, age, national origin, disability, or veteran status. In addition to federal law requirements, CLS complies with all applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

   

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