Legal Staff Paralegal in Rochester, NY

Public Interest

Rochester, NY

Legal Staff Paralegal in Rochester, NY

Legal Staff

No

Job Title: Legal Assistant - Housing and Consumer Law Unit

Job Responsibilities:
The organization is seeking a Legal Assistant to support the Tenant Defense Project by providing comprehensive legal support to the attorneys in the Housing & Consumer Law Unit. The primary focus of this role is on eviction prevention, with additional responsibilities in bankruptcy, foreclosure prevention, and other housing and consumer law-related matters. Key responsibilities include:

- Assisting attorneys at least twice a week during intake sessions at the Rochester City Court Landlord Tenant Part. This involves helping tenants sign up for services, completing intake packets, enrolling in external funding sources, and collaborating with attorneys to provide legal information and facilitate case settlements.
- Maintaining ongoing client contact through telephone and email for updates and case management.
- Managing the database by collaborating with attorneys to update client appearance notes, record court proceedings, and identify external funding sources for clients.
- Assisting with bankruptcies by contacting clients for additional information on their applications and manually entering data into the bankruptcy software, Next Chapter, to aid attorneys in case filings.
- Preparing transfer tax paperwork for deed transfers.
- Assisting with home closings by working with lawyers to prepare all necessary documents for real estate transactions.
- Managing archival materials for active landlord-tenant cases to prepare attorneys for court appearances and track adjournments.
- Executing landlord-tenant assignments via the Tenant Defense Project interagency case referral system to create and organize new cases.
- Conducting intake and issue spotting for illegal lockout or constructive eviction cases.
- Performing intake and issue spotting for various consumer debt issues, including collections on protected income and reversal filings for illegitimate judgments.

Other Duties:
In addition to the primary responsibilities, the Legal Assistant will:
- Assist with basic administrative tasks such as copying, filing, and scheduling.
- Perform additional duties as assigned by supervisors or attorneys.

Education and Experience Information:
Candidates for the Legal Assistant position should possess:
- An associate's degree in Paralegal Studies or a high school diploma with equivalent experience.
- A Notary Public License, or the ability to pass the notary exam if not currently licensed.
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously.
- High proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- A team-oriented attitude with a positive and cooperative work ethic.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:
The position requires the following physical capabilities and work environment conditions:
- Extended periods of sitting at a desk or workstation while performing administrative tasks.
- Regular use of computers and other office equipment, necessitating manual dexterity and visual concentration.
- Occasionally lifting and/or moving up to 20 pounds.
- Mobility within the office environment to attend meetings, training sessions, or other events.
- Effective communication with colleagues, supervisors, and external stakeholders in person, over the phone, or via email.
- An office-based environment equipped with standard office equipment and ergonomic furniture.
- Exposure to typical office noises such as phone calls, conversations, and office equipment operation.
- Occasional travel may be required for training sessions, conferences, or related events.

Salary Information:
The compensation for the Legal Assistant position ranges from $45,000 to $51,000 per year, based on experience.

Benefits:
The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- A hybrid work schedule.
- Paid lunch hour.
- Employer contributions toward health and dental insurance plans.
- Vacation time starting at 15 days (more based on experience).
- 96 hours of sick leave.
- 48 hours of personal time.
- 14 paid holidays annually.
- A $600 yearly internet stipend.
- A 3% match on the 401(k) or Roth 401(k) plan of choice.
- A 5% language differential for proficiency in a program-relevant language.
- Professional development opportunities.
- Qualification as a Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The organization is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants, prohibiting discrimination and harassment based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.