What are the responsibilities and job description for the Paralegal Advocate I position at National Legal Aid & Defender Association?
Position Description
New Hampshire Legal Assistance (NHLA) seeks a full-time Paralegal Advocate I for our Housing Justice Project (HJP). This position may be based in NHLA’s Concord, Claremont, Berlin, or Manchester offices. The HJP Paralegal Advocate I will have direct responsibility for work on housing matters, including extensive work with clients, under attorney supervision. Following demonstration of sufficient subject matter knowledge and skill, the Paralegal Advocate I may be able to transition into a Paralegal Advocate II position, which entails handling their own cases with attorney supervision, as described below.
For the first several months in the position, we expect the Paralegal Advocate to focus on work with low-income homeowners on issues related to property tax deeding, foreclosure, and manufactured housing (for people who own their manufactured homes). NHLA will provide comprehensive training and ongoing supervision from attorneys with extensive expertise in these areas of law.
In New Hampshire, non-attorneys are permitted to handle certain kinds of cases, known as administrative law proceedings, outside of court, with attorney supervision. In addition, the State of New Hampshire is currently operating a pilot project authorizing non-attorneys to represent clients in court in certain circumstances. Depending on qualifications and following training, the Paralegal Advocate may be eligible to participate in the pilot project and represent clients in court. This would facilitate transition to the Paralegal Advocate II role.
Extensive travel throughout New Hampshire is a requirement of this position (mileage reimbursement at the IRS rate is provided). NHLA offers hybrid (remote/in person) work arrangements to interested staff, typically permitting up to two days per week of regularly scheduled remote work after an initial orientation period. Staff members are provided with the necessary equipment (such as laptop computers) to work from their homes.
NHLA seeks to fill this position as soon as possible. The application process and timeline are described below.
NHLA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies strictly with all federal and state employment laws, as well as our anti-discrimination policy.
Position Duties
This is a full-time position. Full-time is defined as 37.5 hours per week. This position is considered non-exempt for the purpose of federal wage/hour law.
The anticipated salary for the position depends on prior law-related work experience, expected to range from $53,500 (for candidates with 0 years of prior law-related work experience) to $58,237 (for candidates with 5 years of prior law-related work experience). After sufficient training and based on demonstrated skill, Paralegal Advocates may be eligible for higher compensation under NHLA’s Paralegal Advocate II job category, which starts at $58,500 for staff members who are eligible to participate in the courtroom representation pilot project.
The position is eligible for the NHLA employee benefits package including medical/dental insurance, retirement plan, and generous paid time off.
New Hampshire Legal Assistance (NHLA) seeks a full-time Paralegal Advocate I for our Housing Justice Project (HJP). This position may be based in NHLA’s Concord, Claremont, Berlin, or Manchester offices. The HJP Paralegal Advocate I will have direct responsibility for work on housing matters, including extensive work with clients, under attorney supervision. Following demonstration of sufficient subject matter knowledge and skill, the Paralegal Advocate I may be able to transition into a Paralegal Advocate II position, which entails handling their own cases with attorney supervision, as described below.
For the first several months in the position, we expect the Paralegal Advocate to focus on work with low-income homeowners on issues related to property tax deeding, foreclosure, and manufactured housing (for people who own their manufactured homes). NHLA will provide comprehensive training and ongoing supervision from attorneys with extensive expertise in these areas of law.
In New Hampshire, non-attorneys are permitted to handle certain kinds of cases, known as administrative law proceedings, outside of court, with attorney supervision. In addition, the State of New Hampshire is currently operating a pilot project authorizing non-attorneys to represent clients in court in certain circumstances. Depending on qualifications and following training, the Paralegal Advocate may be eligible to participate in the pilot project and represent clients in court. This would facilitate transition to the Paralegal Advocate II role.
Extensive travel throughout New Hampshire is a requirement of this position (mileage reimbursement at the IRS rate is provided). NHLA offers hybrid (remote/in person) work arrangements to interested staff, typically permitting up to two days per week of regularly scheduled remote work after an initial orientation period. Staff members are provided with the necessary equipment (such as laptop computers) to work from their homes.
NHLA seeks to fill this position as soon as possible. The application process and timeline are described below.
NHLA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies strictly with all federal and state employment laws, as well as our anti-discrimination policy.
Position Duties
- Work as an integral part of the HJP legal team (including attorneys, paralegal advocates and support staff) to provide legal services in housing matters, with an initial focus on work with low-income homeowners.
- After the first several months, transition to a broader housing focus, including work in eviction and housing discrimination matters.
- Work on HJP cases with attorney supervision, including extensive client work; gathering information and documents; and supporting litigation including preparation of draft documents.
- Participate in and lead community engagement efforts such as educational presentations and webinars.
- Learn and implement NHLA’s holistic, client-centered approach to civil legal aid.
- Depending on qualifications and following extensive training, transition to a Paralegal II role with responsibility for a caseload with attorney supervision.
This is a full-time position. Full-time is defined as 37.5 hours per week. This position is considered non-exempt for the purpose of federal wage/hour law.
The anticipated salary for the position depends on prior law-related work experience, expected to range from $53,500 (for candidates with 0 years of prior law-related work experience) to $58,237 (for candidates with 5 years of prior law-related work experience). After sufficient training and based on demonstrated skill, Paralegal Advocates may be eligible for higher compensation under NHLA’s Paralegal Advocate II job category, which starts at $58,500 for staff members who are eligible to participate in the courtroom representation pilot project.
The position is eligible for the NHLA employee benefits package including medical/dental insurance, retirement plan, and generous paid time off.
Salary : $53,500 - $58,500