POSITION TITLE Paralegal PRACTICE AREA/DEPARTMENT Homeowner Protection Program (HOPP) OFFICE LOCATION Utica, NY SALARY RANGE $42,250 - $63,378 (DOE) SUPERVISOR Deputy Director for Program Services POSTING DATE September 12, 2024 APPLICATION DEADLINE Until position is filled ABOUT The Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York, Inc. (LASMNY) is a non-profit public interest law firm. We provide free legal information, advice and representation to people who are unable to afford a lawyer. Our staff provides services in the following, thirteen counties: Broome, Chenango, Cayuga, Cortland, Delaware, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego, and Otsego. In addition, our Agricultural Worker Program services the entire New York State. Visit us at www.lasmny.org MISSION STATEMENT LASMNY’s mission is to provide free legal assistance to low-income people facing civil legal problems that impact the basic needs of life. Through legal advice, emergency legal services and legal representation, we help low-income people stabilize their finances, protect themselves and their children from domestic violence, obtain access to healthcare, avoid homelessness as a result of wrongful evictions, protect the family home from foreclosure and increase household income. We also target specific vulnerable populations with our services, such as senior citizens, victims of domestic violence, people with disabilities, refugees and immigrants, and veterans. JOB SUMMARY The paralegal will assist attorney(s) by providing clerical and research support including document preparation and review, interviewing clients, and researching and assisting with investigation of cases. Demonstrates an understanding and commitment to LASMNY’s mission and value of justice. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS • Effectively and efficiently communicate with clients for services over the phone or in person. • Interview and screen clients facing mortgage or tax foreclosure, assess the status of the case and prepare case summaries. • Explain the timeline to clients facing mortgage or tax foreclosure during the interview and triaging of case. • Upon triaging a case, submit the case to managing attorney for assignment. • Track mortgage and tax foreclosure cases and submit periodic status reports to managing attorney. • Complete loss mitigation applications for mortgage foreclosure cases per the direction of managing attorney. • Maintain accurate records and statistics for the coordination of timely reports. • Accurately and timely record billable time and case notes in our case management system. • Prepare, organize, store and retrieve case files. • Assist with tasks related to the grant reporting process. • Assist attorney(s) with trial preparation. • Work professionally and collaboratively with colleagues, judges, opposing counsel, court personnel, community members, etc. • Show commitment to professional growth in diverse areas of law. • Engage in outreach and education efforts to reach community members, advocates and service providers. • Attend and participate in meetings and trainings as requested. • Regular and predictable attendance. • Comply with all Legal Services Corporation (LSC) and LASMNY policies, procedures and grant based reporting requirements. • Perform responsibilities and duties based upon department needs and requirements as assigned by the supervisor. JOB QUALIFICATIONS • Bachelor’s degree, Associate’s degree, paralegal certificate, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience. • Prior office experience, preferably in a legal environment. • Demonstrated commitment to serve low-income community members. • Proficient with Microsoft Office or related software and computerized legal research. • Willingness to learn new technology. • Bilingual or multilingual a plus. • Travel may be required. BENEFITS LASMNY offers a generous benefit package! Most benefits available date of hire. Medical, Vision, Dental, Medical Waiver Program (if eligible), Basic/Voluntary Life Insurance, Health Savings Account, Flexible Savings Accounts, 403(b), Employer Contributing SEP/IRA, Mileage Reimbursement, Professional Development, CLE Registration Fees, Attorney Registration Fees, Local & NYS Bar Dues, Vacation, Sick, Personal, Parental Leave, Bereavement Leave, Jury Duty, Bar Exam Leave, Employee Assistance Plan, Relocation Assistance, Parking, Loan Repayment/Public Service Loan Forgiveness and (14) Holidays. APPLICATION PROCESS We encourage interested, qualified candidates to apply for this position by sending a cover letter, writing sample, resume, and three (3) professional references to jobs@lasmny.org LASMNY’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Vision Statement The Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York, Inc. (LASMNY) is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our differences fuel excellence and we strive to create an environment where every individual is valued and feels empowered to bring their full, authentic self to work. We are building a community rooted in openness and trust where colleagues have the resources to grow, thrive and fully contribute to achieving equal access to justice. Equal Opportunity Employer | Affirmative Action Employer Fighting for Equal Justice for All|Diversity.Equity.Inclusion