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About the Role

The Paralegal will provide a range of legal and administrative support to 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.

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.

Requirements

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

Skills

Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications (including SharePoint, Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams) and case management systems such as LegalServer is required.
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.

Location

Buffalo, NY

Work Type

Full-Time
Hybrid remote/in-office schedule after the successful completion of the 90-day introductory period

Experience Level

Some related experience preferred
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered

Education Level

Paralegal certificate or Associates degree in Paralegal Studies or a related field preferred

Salary/Compensations

$48,000 - $51,264 based on years of relevant work experience

Benefits

90% employer paid health insurance premiums
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)
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

About the Company

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.
VLP is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply.
For more information, visit our website at www.ecbavlp.com

Equal Opportunity

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.