Legal Assistant — Community Justice

Position: Housing Legal Assistant — Community Justice Support Job Title: Housing Legal Assistant FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt Reports To: Practice Group Director, assigned Staff Attorney or Managing Attorney

Compensation

Range: $23.00 - $35.00 Hourly (Depending on experience) Inland Counties Legal Services (ICLS) seeks a Housing Legal Assistant to support our Housing Practice Group (HPG). This hybrid position may include some in-person responsibilities extending to office-based support, court filings, and onsite assistance during housing clinics and courthouse appearances in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. The Housing Practice Group provides critical legal advocacy to low-income tenants facing eviction, substandard housing conditions, and housing discrimination. As an integral member of the litigation and advocacy team, the Housing Legal Assistant ensures accurate case tracking, litigation preparation, and timely client communication while supporting attorneys and paralegals in all aspects of case management. Our mission is to increase access to the civil justice system, protect civil liberties, and promote housing stability. We believe that housing is a fundamental right, and we are committed to preserving safe and stable housing for low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. Through compassionate advocacy and legal support, we strive to ensure that every person we serve can live with dignity, security, and peace of mind. As a Housing Legal Assistant, you will work closely with dedicated attorneys and paralegals in the Housing Practice Group. Together, you will collaborate on case strategies, track emerging housing trends, and receive mentorship to strengthen your skills in unlawful detainer defense, foreclosure prevention, habitability claims, subsidized housing advocacy, and tenant outreach. If you are ready to embrace this challenging and rewarding opportunity, we encourage you to apply to join the ICLS Housing Practice Group. Together, we can make a lasting difference and ensure that justice is accessible to all. We encourage you to apply and join us in advancing housing justice across the Inland Empire. Qualities: To be successful, a Housing Legal Assistant should have the following qualities:

• Ability to understand the lives and unique struggles of people from marginalized communities. Be comfortable connecting with and working with individuals of different backgrounds, including those from different racial and ethnic backgrounds, cultures, socio-economic statuses, seniors, and vulnerable populations.
• Passion for and dedication to increasing access to justice via civil legal aid, and a desire to help individuals navigate the complex housing system.
• Strong interest in housing laws and policies.
• Compassionate, receptive, and approachable.
• Self-motivated and proactive.
• Demonstrates determination to secure the best outcome for clients.
• Flexibility and adaptability to handle diverse legal matters and shifting priorities.
• Has healthy and sustainable practices to manage stress and vicarious trauma or is willing to learn practices that may be helpful.
• Possess a growth mindset with an interest in personal and professional development, and a willingness to learn and be mentored.

Requirements & Skills:

• Demonstrated commitment to working with and advocating for individuals from marginalized communities.
• Trauma-informed approach to legal advocacy.
• Clear and professional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage a high-volume caseload with competing priorities, particularly for clients in crisis.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a legal team and independently on administrative or case-related tasks.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams), Adobe, Zoom, and e-filing platforms preferred.
• Bilingual in Spanish strongly preferred. Proficiency will be tested.
• A high school diploma or equivalent is required; an associate degree or legal administrative training is preferred.
• At least 1 year of legal or administrative experience supporting litigation or case management, preferably in housing, landlord-tenant, or legal aid settings.
• Demonstrated familiarity with court processes and rules, calendaring practices, and case tracking in high-volume environments.
• Proficiency with case management systems (Legal Server preferred).
• Willingness to maintain a home office with reliable high-speed internet for occasional remote tasks or willingness to provide in-office or court-based support as needed.
• Cultural competence in working with individuals experiencing housing instability, economic hardship, or trauma.

Primary Responsibilities Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

• Provide administrative, litigation, and case management support to attorneys and legal staff, including setting appointments, coordinating meetings, drafting correspondence, mail processing, photocopying, and scanning.
• Serve as a point of contact for client and partner inquiries by phone, email or in person.
• Provide case support,…

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