Paralegal Casehandler, Employment Law Unit

The Legal Aid Society•New York, NY

1d•$66,843 - $102,358•Hybrid

About The Position

The Legal Aid Society’s Civil Practice seeks a talented Paralegal Casehandler with a deep commitment to serving low-income workers to join the Employment Law Unit. The Employment Law Unit is a citywide unit that provides legal services to low-wage and unemployed workers. Most of the Employment Law Unit’s cases involve violations of wage-and-hour laws, workplace discrimination, family and medical leave, labor trafficking, and claims for unemployment insurance. The Unit works closely with community-based organizations, conducting trainings on workers’ rights, providing legal advice and assistance, and responding to community concerns. The Employment Law Unit also engages in extensive policy and legislative advocacy, leading to changes that improve the lives of millions of low-income New Yorkers. Paralegal Casehandlers carry their own caseloads, have significant responsibility in client advocacy, and regularly conduct unemployment insurance administrative hearings. The Paralegal Casehandler will be expected to interview clients, review documents, prepare witnesses to testify, prepare for cross-examination, research and prepare closing statements, and draft appeals. The Paralegal Casehandler is also expected to conduct outreach and community training.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree (strongly preferred)
A paralegal certificate from an ABA accredited paralegal program
At minimum a high school diploma / GED and 4+ years of legal work experience
4+ years of combined higher education and legal work experience
Commitment to Legal Aid Society’s mission to secure equal justice before the law for all New Yorkers
Interpersonal and communication skills that enable healthy and productive working relationships
Ability to perform duties with the highest regard for confidentiality, integrity, and respect
Commitment to Legal Aid Society’s mission and values
All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship for a work visa or permit.

Nice To Haves

Excellent written, oral advocacy, and computer skills
Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team and manage a large workload
Ability to coordinate and collaborate successfully with other groups and organizations
Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to keep organized case files and detailed notes
Experience assisting people in crisis
Experience in and/or commitment to advocacy on behalf of low-income people
Proficiency in languages other than English

Responsibilities

Manage own case load and provide advice and direct assistance to clients in the employment law area
Interview and assess client requests for services
Represent clients at unemployment insurance hearings and appeals, which requires interviewing clients, reviewing and analyzing documents, preparing witnesses to testify, preparing for cross-examination, researching and preparing closing statements, and drafting
Represent clients at administrative hearings to remove barriers to employment, including but not limited to hearings regarding the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment
Advocate with state agencies, including but not limited to the NYS Department of Labor, and the NYS Office of Children and Family Services
Assist with litigation support tasks
Conduct policy advocacy on behalf of clients
Develop community education and training
Conduct off-site community outreach work and training, including during early and evening hours
Keep detailed electronic case notes and maintain organized document files
Participate in client and community outreach efforts
Participate in continuous professional development
Continuously learn about forms of bias in the workplace and demonstrate affirmative behaviors that support an inclusive work environment
Other duties as assigned