Paralegal: Civil Unit

Full-Time Paralegal - General Civil - Buffalo, NY

Note: Both a resume and cover letter explaining your interest in the position ARE REQUIRED to consider your application.

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.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Case Intake, Eligibility, and Case Preparation:
  • Conduct intake, eligibility screening, and preparation of a variety of civil cases, including bankruptcies, estates, end-of-life planning, name changes, divorces, and other civil matters, from the intake stage through resolution of the legal matter. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
    • 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.

• Legal Support
  • Provide legal and administrative support to VLP attorneys, including, but not limited to:
    • 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.

• Attorney and Supervisory Support
  • Provide support to assigned attorneys and the Supervising Paralegal as directed.
  • Assist with additional case-related and administrative tasks as needed.
• Administrative Responsibilities
  • Draft, prepare, and mail client correspondence.
  • Enter, maintain, and report data in required databases and systems.
  • Maintain accurate and organized case and administrative records.
• Backup Coverage
  • Provide backup coverage for other paralegal and administrative functions as assigned.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist with community outreach efforts and participate in community events as needed.
• Travel may be required.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

COMPUTER SKILLS

VLP is a paperless office, and technology is an essential component of every position. Employees must be comfortable working in a technology-driven environment and using electronic systems as the primary means of managing information, communication, and work product. 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.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Paralegal certificate or Associates degree in Paralegal Studies or a related field preferred.
• Some related experience preferred.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The successful candidate must be organized, detail-oriented, and able to effectively manage multiple priorities. The position requires:

• 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.

NOTARY PUBLIC REQUIREMENT

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. VLP will cover 100% of applicable licensing, examination, and training expenses associated with obtaining the commission.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

• Annual salary ranges from $48,000 - $51,264 based on years of relevant work experience
• Employer paid 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
• Other Benefits: Other benefits are available through pre-tax employee contributions: FSA, Dependent Care FSA, transportation account, 403b plan.
• Fees: Notary application and renewal and attorney registration fees (if applicable)
• Loan Forgiveness: 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)
• A respectful work environment with a true work/life balance:
  • 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

VLP is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply. Employer recruits without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, immigration or citizenship status, pregnancy-related condition, predisposing genetic characteristics, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital and familial status, domestic violence victim status, disability, military status, or protected veteran status.

For more information, visit our website at www.ecbavlp.com