Korean-English Legal Interpreter/Translator (Contractor)

Job Posting: Korean-English Legal Interpreter/Translator (Contractor)

Organization: Open Door Legal

Location: San Francisco, CA (Remote/ Occasional In-Person Meetings)

Position Type: Independent Contractor (As-Needed, Project-Based)

Duration: ~1 Year (Grant-Funded)

Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

About Us:

Open Door Legal is a San Francisco-based legal aid nonprofit dedicated to providing free, universal access to justice for underserved communities. We seek a skilled Korean-English interpreter/translator to help bridge language barriers for our Korean-speaking clients, ensuring they can fully access our legal services with dignity and clarity.

Role & Responsibilities:

1. Provide confidential, accurate interpretation (Korean ↔ English) for client meetings, intake interviews, and attorney consultations (in-person, phone, or virtual).
2. Translate legal documents, forms, and outreach materials (e.g., know-your-rights guides) with attention to cultural nuance and legal accuracy.
3. Assist with community outreach, such as explaining our services at local Korean cultural centers, faith groups, or partner organizations.
4. Adhere to ethical standards for legal interpretation (e.g., neutrality, confidentiality).

Requirements:

1. Fluent in Korean and English (verbal and written); familiarity with legal or advocacy terminology preferred.
2. Prior experience in interpreting/translating, ideally in legal, social services, or nonprofit settings.
3. Cultural competency and ties to San Francisco’s Korean community (e.g., trust networks, local organizations).
4. Ability to work flexibly (some availability during business hours; schedule varies by client needs).

Ideal Candidates Have:

- Training or certification in legal interpretation (not required but a plus).

- Passion for social justice and immigrant/tenant/worker rights (our common case areas).

Compensation: $30/hr with no more than 20 hours/week.

How to Apply:

Email your resume and a brief note explaining your interest and relevant experience to momo [at] opendoorlegal [dot] org. Subject line: Korean Legal Interpreter Application – [Your Name].

Open Door Legal is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or any other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law including the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at whitney [at] opendoorlegal [dot] org.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in the dignity of all. Black Lives Matter