Full-Time Paralegal

Prisoners’ Legal Services (PLS) is seeking an outstanding paralegal advocate committed to protecting the civil rights of incarcerated individuals in Massachusetts. We encourage applicants interested in tackling a wide variety of serious prison concerns including access to competent medical and mental health treatment, placements in solitary confinement, and other unlawful or inhumane conditions of confinement.

Paralegals play a crucial role in upholding the rights of incarcerated individuals, striving to create a more just and humane criminal justice system.

Paralegals, as integral members of PLS' staff, undertake various responsibilities such as providing litigation support and advocating for prisoner clients and their families in interactions with prison officials, as well as medical and mental health providers.

Responsibilities Include but not are not limited to:

Client Intake:

• Handling telephone calls and reviewing correspondence from incarcerated individuals 
• Assessing and evaluating intake cases to determine the need for further investigation 
• Initiating and managing inquiries for both new and ongoing intake cases, monitoring all investigations, and ensuring their prompt and timely conclusion. 
• Providing counsel and advice to clients regarding their legal rights 

Litigation and Policy support:

• Conducting legal research, contributing to litigation and casework, and aiding in case referrals as assigned 
• Conducting meetings and interviews with incarcerated clients in Massachusetts state prisons and county jails, including documenting and capturing images of injuries or health conditions 
• Visiting and interviewing prisoner witnesses 
• Creating and maintaining client files, while also ensuring the database is consistently updated for accuracy 
• Assisting in the planning of regular meetings, and presenting case summaries of investigated cases for litigation consideration
• Participate in championing the rights of incarcerated individuals through advocacy as needed

Administrative/Other:

• Active participation in monthly PLS staff meetings and regular supervision meetings 
• Compiling statistics for grant applications and reporting purposes as requested
• Contributing to the enhancement of systems and standard operating procedures 
• Collaborating effectively with incarcerated clients, PLS team members, and the private bar.
• Completing any additional tasks as assigned by the Executive Director or supervisors

Qualifications:

• • Must have good communication, both written and oral presentation skills
  • Must be comfortable engaging in frequent communication with incarcerated clients through visits, telephone and letter and advocating for their needs.
  • Demonstrated strong organizational and administrative skills and attention to detail
  • Demonstrated capacity to work collaboratively with a team and independently
  • Attention to detail required
  • Required to travel to Massachusetts prisons and jails. Applicant must have a valid driver’s license and have regular access to a car.

Preferred qualifications but not required

• • Experience working with and advocating for marginalized populations
  • Experience as a paralegal, a bachelor's degree or paralegal certification
  • Proficiency in a second language, such as Spanish and Portuguese are preferred