Legal Assistant - Housing and Consumer Law Unit

JOB SUMMARY

The Legal Aid Society of Rochester, NY is seeking a Legal Assistant to support the Tenant Defense Project by providing legal support to LASROC’s attorneys in the Housing & Consumer Law Unit. This position will primarily assist in eviction prevention, but will also assist in bankruptcy, foreclosure prevention, and other housing and consumer law related matters.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assisting attorneys at least twice a week at an intake session of the Rochester City Court Landlord Tenant Part, in which legal assistants will assist tenants sign up for services, fill out an intake packet, sign up for outside funding sources, and work with the attorney to assist with legal information and settling of cases. 
• Ongoing client contact through telephone and email for case updates and management
• Database management-working with an attorney to update notes for client appearances, keeping a record of what happens in court and helping to identify outside funding sources on behalf of clients
• Bankruptcies-calling clients to get more information on their applications, manually entering information into our bankruptcy software Next Chapter to assist the attorney in filing the case
• Deed Transfer-preparing transfer tax paperwork
• Home closings-opportunity to work with lawyer to prepare all documents generated for real estate closings
• Archival management of live case materials for pending landlord tenant cases in order to prepare attorney for appearances, tracking adjournments, etc.
• Executing landlord tenant assignments through the Tenant Defense Project interagency case referral system to create new cases and organize materials for those cases.
• Intake and issue spotting for illegal lockout/constructive eviction cases.
• Intake and issue spotting for various consumer debt issues such as collections on protected income and reversal filings for illegitimate judgments.

OTHER DUTIES 

• Assist with basic administrative tasks, such as copying, filing, and scheduling.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.
• Accompanying a contingent to outlying area courts for staffing an intake or for one-off cases. 
  

EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Associates degree in Paralegal Studies or High School Diploma with equivalent experience.
• Notary Public License (If not currently licensed, must be able to pass the notary exam).
• Strong attention to detail and organization.
• Ability to prioritize and multi-task.
• High level of proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills.
• Must be a team player and have a positive and cooperative work attitude.

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 20 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.
• 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
  • 5% language differential for being proficient in a program-relevant language
• Professional development opportunities
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualifying employer

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.