Legal Assistant - Family Law Unit

JOB SUMMARY

The Legal Aid Society of Rochester, NY (LASROC) seeks a full-time Legal Assistant to work with attorneys in the Family Law Unit. The Family Law Unit provides direct legal representation to litigants in Family Court & Supreme Court in matrimonial cases and other family matters in Monroe and other surrounding counties with a focus on victims of domestic violence. The Legal Assistant will have the opportunity to be part of a team of professionals who have dedicated themselves to the mission of LASROC, the provision of high-quality civil legal services to low and moderate-income litigants.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Open and maintain client case files by processing court documents and entering data accurately into case management software.
• Draft, format, and proofread legal documents such as custody orders, motions, and other correspondence.
• Prepare legal documents for filing and service in accordance with court deadlines and procedural requirements.
• Ensure all court appointments and deadlines are properly recorded and updated.
• Communicate courteously and professionally with Court personnel to obtain supplementary documents and case information as needed.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date materials and documents for hearings and trials.
• Assist attorneys in organizing case materials and documents for hearings and trials.
• Communicate courteously and professionally with Court personnel and clients to obtain supplementary documents and case information as needed.

OTHER DUTIES

• Participate in LASROC office functions including trainings, program meetings, and other LASROC office meetings.
• Provide additional administrative and case support as needed.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the supervising legal assistant or division director as needed.

EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Education in Paralegal Studies (ABA-approved program preferred) or High School Diploma with equivalent experience.
• Serve as a Notary Public (if not currently licensed, must be able to pass the notary exam within the first six months of employment).
• High level of proficiency with Microsoft Office 365.
• Experience with office technology and database systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills are required.
• Respectful and empathetic consideration for clients.
• Ability to prioritize and multi-task.
• Must be a team player and have a positive, cooperative work attitude.
• Fluent (speaking and writing) in Spanish and English preferred.
• Ability to manage deadlines and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Ability to work effectively in a remote work environment (familiarity with technologies involved in a virtual work environment including Microsoft Teams, Zoom, etc. preferred).

• Commitment to social justice and a passion for serving underprivileged communities.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Extended periods of sitting at a desk or workstation while performing administrative tasks.
• Regular use of computers and other office equipment, requiring manual dexterity and visual concentration.
• Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
• Mobility within the office environment to attend meetings, training sessions, or other events.
• Ability to communicate effectively with associates, supervisors, and external stakeholders in person, over the phone, or via email.
• Office-based environment with standard office equipment and ergonomic furniture.
• Exposure to typical office noises such as phone calls, conversations, and office equipment operation.
• Work will be performed in an in-office environment.
• Occasional travel may be required for attending training sessions, conferences, or other related events.

Benefits:

• Hybrid Work schedule
• Paid Lunch Hour
• Employer contributions toward health and dental insurance plans
• Up to:
  • 15 days of vacation to start (More based on experience)
  • 96 hours of sick leave
  • 48 hours of personal time
  • 14 paid holidays a year
  • $600 per year internet stipend
  • 3% match on the 401(k) or Roth 401(k) plan of your choice
  • $3,000 salary differential for being proficient in a program-relevant language
  • $1,800 employer contribution toward HSA or FSA
• Professional development opportunities
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualifying employer
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employer contribution toward parking fees
  

The Legal Aid Society of Rochester, NY, provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to 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 terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.