Paralegal I

MAJOR PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

The Legal Aid Society has a Paralegal I position available to support the Civil Practice’s Queens Neighborhood Office. The Paralegal I provides client services and ensures that clients seeking assistance receive access to available client services, or if applicable, referral to the appropriate outside agencies. In addition, the Paralegal Is handle a wide range of tasks that support the office. The Paralegal I may also have occasional duties at other Legal Aid Society offices or intake sites. 

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Data entry and file maintenance using a proprietary case management system, including: 
  • Open, update and close case files 
  • Maintain and update case details 
  • Scan and upload documents 
  • Initiate conflict checks 
  • Generating routine reports 
  • Conducting intake at a courthouse office 
• Responsible for record and file management, including archiving cases in Law Manager and managing off-site file storage 
• Mail Services: 
• Scan and distribute incoming mail and manage the preparation and sending of outgoing mail 
• Manage court-ordered service of documents via mail, email, and fax  
• Messenger assignments that include field delivery/pickups and service of legal papers 
• Providing oral and written translation and interpretation support 
• Support with client intake, including: 
  • Screening / referrals 
  • Assist with completing client intake forms and releases  
  • Register and schedule clients for appointments and interviews 
  • Intermediate conflict checks 
  • Unit Law Manager file maintenance and updates 
  • Refer clients, when applicable, to outside agencies and services 
• Office reception and switchboard coverage, providing general information and assistance to visitors, guests, clients, vendors, etc. 
  • Refer clients, when applicable, to outside agencies and services 
• Other job band functions as needed 

 

QUALIFICATIONS

Required qualifications:

• Eligible candidates must have at least one of the following: 
  • A high school diploma / GED  
  • At least 2 years of work experience 
• Strong writing, verbal, and organization skills 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite  
• Ability to learn and efficiently use new data management systems 
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills 
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively on a team 
• Ability to work flexible hours 
• Experience in and/or commitment to advocacy on behalf of low-income people is strongly desired 

  

Preferred qualifications:   

• One year of experience in a legal or other relevant work (paid or unpaid) environment is highly preferred 
• Some relevant college level work and/or paralegal training preferred 
• Licensed Notary preferred or willing to become licensed Fluency in Spanish or another language with the ability to provide oral and written translation and interpretation support 

 

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The salary range represents a good faith estimate of the range we expect to pay for this role. The actual salary offered may vary depending on many factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, as well as collectively bargained salary steps for unionized roles.

 

Salary Range: $53,295 - $81,795

 

The Legal Aid Society offers a generous benefits package including health insurance, paid vacation, disability, and life insurance, and more.