Legal Assistant - Appeals and Post-Conviction Unit

The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc. is seeking a Legal Assistant to provide clerical support services to our Staff Attorneys in the Appeals and Post-Conviction Unit. This role offers an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of individuals in the Western New York Community.

Why Join Us?

· Desirable Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a 35-hour work week, allowing you to balance your professional and personal life effectively.

· Competitive Pay: Salary starting at $46,627 per year.

· Comprehensive Benefits Package:

o Medical, dental, and vision benefits for you and your dependents.

o Generous vacation, personal, and sick time.

o Paid parenthood leave plan.

o 401(k) retirement plan.

o Long-term disability insurance, short-term disability insurance, supplemental term life insurance, and other voluntary insurance offerings

o Parking expense reimbursement plan, transit plan, and a flexible spending account.

· Union Position: Be part of a supportive collective bargaining environment.

· Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness: Qualifying employer for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program and the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation Loan Forgiveness Program.

Key Responsibilities:

• Entering case information accurately from files into database and accessing that information, as necessary.
• Preparing case calendars as required by unit.
• Obtaining and assembling necessary reports, documents, or court records relating to the case.
• Typing from rough draft, verbal instructions, dictating equipment or other as directed by an attorney.
• Preparing letters, motion papers and briefs, memorandums, pleadings, petitions, orders, court and administrative papers, reports, notice of appeal, and other documentary work in proper legal format. Printing and saving the documents in the appropriate directories. Filing, mailing, and/or delivering documents as directed by attorney.
• Serving legal papers, including subpoenas, as required.
• Communicating in person, by telephone, e-mail, fax or by mail with clients, other agencies, attorneys, court and other public officials, other staff and persons with whom the unit staff interacts, and the general public; taking and giving telephone messages; and answering questions and/or making referrals as appropriate.
• Maintaining confidentiality of all files.
• Assisting attorneys in interviewing prospective and current clients, witnesses and any other person at various locations to gather factual information related to the case, including financial eligibility data, as required.
• Performing other duties as assigned, including assisting other units when needed.

Employment Standards:

• Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered two (2) year college or university with an associate’s degree in paralegal studies; or
• Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered four (4) year college or university with a bachelor’s degree and completion of a course of in Paralegal studies which resulted in a certificate from a regionally accredited or New York State registered institution; or
• Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered four (4) year college or university and one (1) year experience as Paralegal, legal secretary, or legal assistant; or
• Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and five (5) years of experience as a Paralegal, legal secretary, or legal assistant; or
• An equivalent combination of training, education, and experience as defined by the above standards.

Additional Requirements: Possession of a valid New York State Driver's License and access to a registered, insured vehicle available for use during working hours, or demonstrated capacity to meet the transportation requirements of the position.

The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc. values diversity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from minorities, females, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and individuals of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. We look forward to welcoming a new member to our dedicated team.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $46,627.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person