Legal Assistance Of Western New York, Inc. (LawNY)

Paralegal

• Provide direct legal services to eligible clients with housing issues.
• Prescreen applicants for eligibility and complete intake interviews.
• Prepare electronic and paper case files.
• Obtain eligibility and compliance documentation.
• Attend case acceptance meetings and assist with case work.

Temporary Staff Paralegal

Attorney

• Maintain a full-time caseload representing eligible clients
• Develop and maintain specialized knowledge in the dynamics of domestic violence and sexual assault, providing trauma-informed legal services, family court representation for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, and legal advice and supportive services through the criminal justice process, as well as representation in other civil legal matters as they relate to the victimization.
• Provides legal services to low income clients and client groups regarding these matters including advice, negotiation, litigation and administrative advocacy.
• Interacts respectfully with clients and staff from a wide range of backgrounds, with an awareness of the importance of cultural competence and humility.
• Collaborates with other LawNY advocates, human services providers, non-profit organizations and community groups as well as the courts, administrative tribunals and the private bar to address legal problems within our community, including providing community legal education.
• Cooperates in all grant reporting requirements, program reporting, timekeeping, file maintenance, case closing and compliance review.

Staff Attorney – Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault

• Screen phone, in-person, and online applications for legal services and intake eligible clients.
• Make referrals to other providers and agencies for assistance.
• Create and maintain client files, both physically and electronically, including obtaining eligibility and compliance documentation.
• Interview clients and investigate their legal issues.
• Assist clients with accessing and maintaining benefits and resources related to housing stability, including applying for public and/or emergency assistance, accessing resources to pay rental arrears, recertification of income for subsidized housing, and securing funds to pay utility arrears.
• Provide litigation support to attorneys, including assisting attorneys in preparing cases for court, conducting legal research, preparing drafts of legal documents, and corresponding with clients, courts, opposing counsel, and agencies.
• Build and maintain relationships with court staff, community groups, and partner agencies.
• Participate in eviction prevention outreach providing legal information and legal education to our community partners and the public.

Temporary Staff Paralegal

Staff Attorney – Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault

Staff Paralegal – Eviction Prevention Unit