Paralegal: Civil Unit - Buffalo, NY

Erie County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project • Buffalo, NY

12h • Hybrid

About The Position

The Erie County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project (VLP) is seeking one (1) Full-Time Paralegal: Civil Unit for our law office in Buffalo, NY. The Paralegal will provide a range of legal and administrative support to the Supervising Attorney, Department of Health Attorneys, and other legal professionals within the firm. This position supports civil legal matters from intake through resolution and assists with client communication, case preparation, documentation, filing, and other administrative and legal support functions. VLP is a mixed-model civil legal services program that coordinates direct representation by pro bono attorneys and by our staff attorneys in our two locations: Buffalo and Batavia, NY. The Buffalo office handles a wide variety of civil legal services, with a focus on involving pro bono lawyers in the delivery of our services to clients. The Batavia office provides immigration representation to individuals detained in the Federal Detention Facility in Batavia, NY. This position will work out of our Buffalo, NY office with the ability to work a hybrid remote/in-office schedule after the successful completion of the 90-day introductory period.

Requirements

• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications (including SharePoint, Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams) and case management systems such as LegalServer is required.
• The ability to effectively use and learn required technology is essential to successful performance in this position.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• An active New York State Notary Public commission is required or the ability to successfully obtain a New York State Notary Public commission within six (6) months of hire.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple cases, tasks, and deadlines effectively.
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively as part of a team.
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively and professionally with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to collect, maintain, and manage information and data accurately.
• Proficiency with case management systems and other computer applications.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive client information appropriately.

Nice To Haves

• Paralegal certificate or Associates degree in Paralegal Studies or a related field preferred.
• Some related experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct client intakes and eligibility screenings.
• Provide referrals to appropriate resources and services.
• Review and process intake paperwork.
• Communicate and follow up with clients throughout the intake and case process.
• Ensure required documentation is received and complete.
• Schedule calls and meetings for VLP attorneys.
• Meet with clients as needed.
• Contact clients, opposing parties, attorneys, and other parties as directed.
• Maintain accurate documentation, case notes, and records in the LegalServer case management system.
• Meet with attorneys, clients, and other professionals to discuss assigned cases and projects.
• Draft correspondence to clients, opposing parties and counsel, courts, volunteer attorneys, and other parties.
• Draft legal documents, including routine pleadings, motions, affidavits, interrogatories, petitions, judgment rolls, and other legal documents.
• Research and analyze statutes, regulations, legal articles, judicial decisions, and other legal sources; provide written summaries and analysis to attorneys.
• File motions, pleadings, and other legal documents in accordance with applicable court rules and procedures, including through the New York State Courts Electronic Filing System (NYSCEF).
• Witness the execution of legal documents.
• Notarize documents.
• Assist clients with completing necessary documentation.
• Close files as directed.
• Provide support to assigned attorneys and the Supervising Paralegal as directed.
• Assist with additional case-related and administrative tasks as needed.
• Draft, prepare, and mail client correspondence.
• Enter, maintain, and report data in required databases and systems.
• Maintain accurate and organized case and administrative records.
• Provide backup coverage for other paralegal and administrative functions as assigned.
• Assist with community outreach efforts and participate in community events as needed.
• Travel may be required.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Benefits

• 90% employer paid health insurance premiums
• a Health Reimbursement Arrangement account
• long-term disability insurance
• life/AD&D insurance
• 403b contributions
• Employee Assistance Program
• FSA
• Dependent Care FSA
• transportation account
• 403b plan
• Notary application and renewal and attorney registration fees (if applicable)
• ECBAVLP is an eligible employer for both the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and the District Attorney and Indigent Legal Services Attorney Loan Forgiveness program (DALF)
• 18 paid holidays including the time between December 24th and January 1st
• 11 vacation days and 2 personal days in year one
• 15 vacation days and 4 personal days in year 2 (vacation caps at 23 days starting in year 6)
• 10 sick days each year (5 are frontloaded; 5 are accrued)
• 2 Sunshine Days to be used between Memorial Day and Labor Day (prorated for staff hired between those holidays)
• Flexible schedule
• Discourages weekend work, encourages utilizing PTO
• Dedication to diversity and inclusion

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED