Paralegal (Spanish Fluency Required)

NYLAG•New York, NY

1d•$65,550 - $68,770•Hybrid

About The Position

NYLAG is a leading civil legal services organization dedicated to combating economic, racial, and social injustice by advocating for individuals and families experiencing poverty or crisis. The organization provides free civil legal services, financial empowerment, impact litigation, policy advocacy, and community partnerships. NYLAG aims to disrupt systemic racism by serving those whose legal and financial crises are often rooted in racial inequality. The organization operates in over 150 community sites and utilizes a Mobile Legal Help Center. Last year, NYLAG's staff of over 400 impacted the lives of over 129,000 people. This specific paralegal position is part of NYC’s Universal Access initiative, which has expanded the Right to Counsel in Housing Court to all New Yorkers with low incomes facing eviction. The Tenants’ Rights Unit (TRU) is seeking a Spanish-speaking paralegal for its Brooklyn Team to support attorneys representing tenants in Housing Court and administrative proceedings. TRU is committed to ensuring that New Yorkers at risk of eviction have legal representation. The unit offers a collaborative environment with over 65 staff attorneys, 19 paralegals, and 19 supervisors, providing an excellent opportunity to build a legal career and advance housing justice.

Requirements

Superb attention to detail.
Excellent organizational, analytical, writing and communications skills.
Demonstrated passion for social justice and commitment to working with communities burdened by systemic socioeconomic barriers and communities of color to advance equity.
Demonstrated ability to speak, read, and write Spanish fluently.
Demonstrated ability to multitask, be reliable, and prioritize in a fast-paced, high-volume professional environment.
Either a bachelor’s degree or two or more years of relevant work experience.

Nice To Haves

Speaks Mandarin, French, Haitian-Creole or other languages prevalent in New York City.

Responsibilities

Conduct thorough, trauma-informed client legal intakes in Housing Court, at NYLAG’s main office, in community offices, and by telephone or virtual means to meet client needs.
Investigate facts through follow-up client interviews and requesting documents from clients and outside agencies.
Advocate with various organizations and government agencies on behalf of clients to ensure clients access rental assistance grants and/or maintain crucial public benefits.
Prepare legal documents to assist attorneys.
Provide oral and written translations for attorneys who represent Spanish-speaking clients in various scenarios, including court appearances.
Assist with grant compliance, reporting, maintaining case files, and updating data in our case management system.
Conduct home visits as needed.
Other duties as needed.