Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc.

The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo seeks to provide access to justice and due process to the most vulnerable individuals, children and families in the Western New York Community through quality legal representation and assistance.

The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc.’s Criminal Defense Unit (“unit”) takes a holistic, client-centered approach in the representation of its clients and requires a Senior Paralegal to support its Staff Attorneys in delivering quality representation.  The Senior Paralegal will be primarily assigned to a Staff Attorney to support their administrative needs, as well as support other CDU administrative needs necessary for the unit’s ability to discharge its criminal defense and associated activities.  We are seeking a Senior Paralegal to assist our staff attorneys with case preparation, prioritizing access and visual interpretation duties, both in and out of court, at the direction of the Staff Attorney with whom they work. The Senior Paralegal will also support other administrative needs of the unit, when required. The duties assigned may involve, but not be limited to the following:

• Assist Staff Attorney in visual interpretation of information including, but not limited to legal documents, intake forms, body-worn camera footage, photographs, evidence in other formats, records, files, receipts, and any other information which may require visual interpretation.
• Assist Staff Attorney with scribe duties such as completing forms, recording details of court appearances, communication with clients
• Assists attorneys in interviewing clients, witnesses, etc. at various locations, (including court detention and Mental Health facilities) for factual information related to the case. Performs fieldwork as required.
• Reviews and/or obtains histories, service plans, agency, medical or school records and clinical assessments of clients.
• Prepares drafts of legal pleadings, including petitions, motions, or orders, as directed by an attorney.
• Drafts and prepares related reports and correspondence.
• Obtains and assembles all necessary reports, documents, or court records relating to the case.
• Maintains accurate case records.
• Serves legal papers, including subpoenas as required.
• Confers with caseworkers, service providers, educators, representatives of other agencies, probation officers or any other collateral individual, as required.
• Presents cases before hearing officers, as required by unit.
• Performs legal research as directed and verifies citations and statutory references contained in legal documents.
• Works collaboratively with attorneys to develop recommendations for the Court that are in the best interest of the client, and prepares written reports regarding completed investigations.
• Attends court proceedings and provides testimony, as required.
• Verifies citations and statutory references contained in legal documents; and does legal research under supervision, as required.
• Files and organizes legal research materials as directed.
• Attends meetings, reviews, conferences or other functions, at various locations, as required by unit.
• Communicates 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; takes and gives telephone messages; and answers questions and/or makes referrals as appropriate.
• Maintains offices files as required by unit.
• Maintains confidentiality of all files.
• Operates basic office equipment, including, e.g., word processor, typewriter, transcriber, copier, postage meter, computer, fax machine, shredder, and calculator.
• Enters case information accurately into database and accesses that information, as necessary.
• Maintains specialized knowledge of regulations and laws as required by unit.
• Notarizes documents, as required.
• Seeks new assignments from supervisor when all other work is completed.
• Cooperates with other members of the unit, office and Bureau to develop effective teamwork and make the Bureau institutionally strong.
• Relieves Switchboard Operator/Receptionist.
• Performs other duties as assigned, including assisting other units when needed.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS: 

• Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered four (4) year college or university with a Bachelor’s degree, or graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered two (2) year college or University with an Associates degree in Paralegal Studies.
• Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and five (5) years of experience as a Paralegal; or
• An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the above standards. 

Special Requirements:  Residency requirement in some units. Inquiry into State Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment required in some units.

Additional Requirements:  Possession of a valid New York State Driver’s License and have a registered vehicle available for use during working hours.

This position is full-time. Starting salary is $47,942.

Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision benefits is available to you and your dependents.  In addition, we offer generous vacation, personal, and sick time.  Other benefits available to you are long-term disability insurance, supplemental term life insurance, parking expense reimbursement plan, transit plan, a flexible spending account, and a 401(k) retirement plan.

Many of our staff apply for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc. values Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Minorities / Females / Disabled / Veterans / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity

Please send cover letter and resume to  resume@legalaidbuffalo.org or The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc., Attention: Human Resources, 290 Main Street, Suite 400, Buffalo, NY 14202.

Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.