Paralegal

About LASMNY

The Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York, Inc. (LASMNY) is a non-profit public interest law firm that provides free legal information, advice and representation to people who are unable to afford a lawyer. Our staff provides services in thirteen counties: Broome, Chenango, Cayuga, Cortland, Delaware, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego, and Otsego. In addition, our Agricultural Worker Project (AWP) provides services to agricultural workers throughout New York State.

Mission Statement

LASMNY’s mission is to provide free legal assistance to low-income individuals facing civil legal issues that impact basic needs such as housing, safety, income, and healthcare. We are committed to protecting the rights of vulnerable populations including seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, immigrants, and survivors of domestic violence.

Job Summary

The Pro Bono Paralegal assists the Managing Attorney in planning, implementing, and overseeing LASMNY's pro bono project, which includes clinics and virtual services across the thirteen-county area. Key duties involve collaborating on volunteer opportunities for attorneys and law students, organizing training and legal clinics, and managing case assignments in areas such as divorce, estate planning, bankruptcy, and housing justice. The paralegal must demonstrate a strong commitment to LASMNY’s mission.

Essential Job Duties

Program Development and Support:

• Support the development of a comprehensive Pro Bono Project, including recruitment, training, and resource development.
• Partner with employees to recruit and train volunteer attorneys and law student volunteers.
• Build and maintain relationships with attorneys, law firms, law schools, bar associations, and partner organizations.
• Develop and maintain training materials, fillable forms, and a web-based pro bono resource library.

Caseload and Client Management:

• Manage the pro bono caseload and ensure delivery of high-quality legal services.
• Collaborate with intake screeners to triage calls, determine client eligibility, and evaluate cases for pro bono referral.
• Perform intakes for uncontested divorces, estate planning, bankruptcies, and housing cases.
• Manage referrals of pro bono cases to volunteer attorneys and internal staff.
• Effectively and efficiently communicate with clients for services over the phone or in person.
• Follow up with volunteer attorneys to track case status and ensure timely closure.

Events and Outreach:

• Plan and schedule pro bono legal clinics.
• Coordinate CLE trainings and community outreach events.
• Conduct outreach and coordinate tabling and other events with community organizations.

Administration and Reporting:

• Maintain volunteer databases and listservs.
• Maintain accurate records and statistics for the coordination of timely reports.
• Accurately and timely record billable time and case notes in the case management system.
• Prepare, organize, store, and retrieve case files.
• Compile data and prepare reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Assist with tasks related to the grant reporting processes.
• Perform other administrative tasks and duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Professional Standards

• Demonstrate professionalism and confidentiality in handling sensitive information.
• Communicate effectively with clients, attorneys, and community partners.
• Maintain regular and predictable attendance.
• Adapt to new technologies and systems, including legal research tools and case management software.
• Comply with all Legal Services Corporation regulations, LASMNY policies and procedures, and grant-based reporting requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, Associate’s degree, paralegal certificate, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office or related software and computerized legal research.
• Willingness to learn new technology.
• Ability to manage multiple projects efficiently and accurately.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel throughout the service area.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in poverty law or public interest legal services.
• Bilingual or multilingual a plus.

Compensation and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary range of $46,250.00 – $67,378.00, commensurate with experience and qualifications. LASMNY provides a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement contributions, paid leave, and professional development opportunities.

Application Process

Qualified candidates are invited to apply through our online application system. Click on the following link to apply: https://workforcenow.adp.com/

Equal Opportunity Employer

LASMNY is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.

LASMNY provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities during the application process. Please contact Human Resources to request assistance.