HCRU Paralegal - Economic Justice Team

Community Legal Services, Inc. • Full-time • Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States • 1d ago

CLS seeks a full-time paralegal for the Homeownership and Consumer Rights Unit (HCRU). The HCRU represents homeowners facing mortgage and tax foreclosures and pursues economic justice for clients harmed by abusive, unfair, or predatory practices. This paralegal will work with our economic justice practice group, focusing on consumer debt including student loans.

Credit on fair terms can help borrowers bridge budget gaps and access education and assets to build financial stability. But far too often debt deepens financial distress. Predatory lenders and collectors add to the burden. Credit products may have features like high fees and interest that increase the likelihood that a borrower will fall behind. Loan servicers, particularly those in the student loan industry, may make it difficult for borrowers to access programs designed to provide payment relief. And some collectors engage in abusive tactics, scaring borrowers to pay on the debt rather than purchase food and medicine, or even suing on alleged debts without adequate proof. These practices disproportionately affect Black and Brown Philadelphians, widening the existing racial wealth gap.

The HCRU works to bring economic justice to low-income Philadelphians struggling with debt or facing unfair debt collection practices. We represent clients facing debt collection lawsuits related to consumer debt, protect clients’ income and ability to bank when their accounts are garnished, and we assist student loan borrowers in applying for loan forgiveness and affordable payment programs. We also engage in court reform efforts to stop abusive debt collection practices and work with law makers to address systemic injustices. We empower and train clients and community organizations about their legal rights. Paralegals are critical to the team, providing ongoing case support to attorneys, handling their own cases under supervision, and engaging in outreach and advocacy.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The job duties and responsibilities necessary for this position include:

Interviewing clients seeking legal help either in person or by phone and gathering related documents and information;
Drafting correspondence to clients and opposing parties and assisting attorneys defending clients facing debt collection lawsuits;
Under the supervision of an attorney, advising clients on how to protect their limited income from seizure, writing demand letters, and negotiating agreements with collectors and opposing counsel;
Supporting the team’s affirmative litigation to combat misconduct by debt collectors, loan servicers and predatory institutions;
Assisting student loan borrowers in applying for loan discharges, financial hardship claims, and consolidation and rehabilitation plans;
Helping clients obtain credit reports, report consumer fraud, and file complaints with consumer protection agencies;
Creating and revising “Know Your Rights” materials and presenting at community education workshops to educate individuals and community organizations about their legal rights; and
Engaging in advocacy campaigns for court reforms and legislative changes.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

High School Diploma or GED

Strong writing skills
Strong computer literacy including proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
Proven ability to interact well in a multi-cultural environment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Fluency in writing and speaking a language other than English, preferably Spanish.
Experience with a social services agency or a nonprofit organization that advocates on behalf of the poor, or experience in legislative or administrative advocacy, community outreach and education.
Strong and proven commitment to racial justice work and advocacy

To Apply: CLS will accept applications on a rolling basis until the position is filled. However, candidates are highly encouraged to submit their application by Monday, November 2, 2026. You can submit your application on CLS’s website online at https://clsphila.org/careers/ OR "Apply Now". You can also reach out to Crystal Stackhouse (Hiring Coordinator) cstackhouse@clsphila.org. for any questions or concerns.

What to include in your application: Please include a cover letter, resume, and three professional references (past or current supervisors preferred) identifying your relationship.

CLS Policy on the Use of AI in job applications:
Strong writing skills are a required skill for this position. CLS requires all application materials to be the applicant’s own, and prohibits the use of AI in application materials, including the cover letter, writing sample, and position-specific writing assessment if requested. CLS reserves the right to decline to interview a candidate or rescind a job offer if an applicant misrepresents the originality of their application materials.

Community Legal Services, Inc. welcomes applicants of all backgrounds to apply, including people who have experienced poverty or housing instability, people of color, people who identify as LGBTQ, people with disabilities, 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 would motivate you to work toward CLS’s mission and would contribute to the vitality and perspective of our organization.

CLS invites all applicants to include in their cover letter a statement about how your unique background and/or experiences would motivate you to work toward CLS’s mission and would contribute to the vitality and perspective of our organization.

Compensation: 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. The current minimum starting salary is $50,850, for entry-level applicants, which increases with relevant years of experience and according to the provisions of the current collective bargaining agreement. CLS asks for a minimum two-year commitment from individuals who accept an offer of employment for a receptionist position.

Benefits: CLS offers a very generous and competitive benefits package including 100% employer paid medical (including gender affirming care), life, and short/long-term disability benefits, a 403(b)-retirement plan with employer contribution, and a generous leave package, including 13 paid holidays and 7 personal holidays each year.

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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