The Legal Aid Society of Rochester, New York

Legal Assistant

• Receives, screens, and triages intake calls from prospective clients regarding education law matters.
• Conducts conflict checks, gathers relevant case information, and completes financial eligibility assessments.
• Prepares intake applications and supporting documentation for review by attorneys and advocates.
• Opens, maintains, and monitors client files in accordance with agency procedures and case management requirements.
• Schedules client appointments, school meetings, hearings, and other case-related events.
• Explains documents to clients, obtains required signatures, and ensures proper completion of forms and records.
• Maintains regular communication with clients, attorneys, schools, and community agencies regarding case-related matters.
• Drafts correspondence, records detailed case notes, and enters information accurately into the case management system.
• Assists attorneys and advocates with preparation for school meetings, hearings, appeals, and other legal proceedings.
• Compiles program statistics, prepares reports, and supports data collection and program evaluation activities.
• Collaborates with internal programs and community agencies to connect clients with supportive services and resources.
• Conducts client follow-up communications and assists with client satisfaction evaluations.
• Maintains calendars and tracks important case deadlines and appointments.
• Conducts legal research and gathers information as assigned.

Legal Assistant – Education Law

• Open and maintain client case files by processing court documents and entering data accurately into case management software.
• Draft, format, and proofread legal documents such as custody orders, motions, and other correspondence.
• Prepare legal documents for filing and service in accordance with court deadlines and procedural requirements.
• Ensure all court appointments and deadlines are properly recorded and updated.
• Communicate courteously and professionally with Court personnel to obtain supplementary documents and case information as needed.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date materials and documents for hearings and trials.
• Assist attorneys in organizing case materials and documents for hearings and trials.
• Communicate courteously and professionally with Court personnel and clients to obtain supplementary documents and case information as needed.

Legal Assistant – Family Law

Attorney

• Provide legal counsel and representation in matrimonial and family law proceedings, including all stages of litigation.
• Draft, review, and file petitions, pleadings, motions, orders, notices of appeal, memorandum of law, order to show cause, emergency actions and other legal documents.
• Conduct in person client interviews and gather relevant facts for case development.
• Conduct discovery, investigations, and legal research as required for case preparation.
• Represent clients at court appearances, hearings, conferences, and related proceedings in Family Court and Supreme Court.
• Consult and negotiate with opposing counsel and other parties to achieve favorable client outcomes.
• Represent clients in post-dispositional proceedings, including preparation of Qualified Domestic Relations Orders and other post judgment appearances.
• Conduct safety planning with domestic violence survivors and provide appropriate referrals (e.g., shelter, counseling, and supportive services).
• Collaborate with and review the work of assigned support staff as needed.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and timely documentation of all client contacts and case activity in LegalServer or other case management systems.
• Stay current on relevant legislative changes, case law, and best practices; participate in continuing legal education (CLE) training.
• Participate in community outreach, education, and training related to family law and domestic violence services, including through work with our grant partners, the Willow Domestic Violence Center and the Monroe County Domestic Violence Consortium
• Provide information about legal rights, domestic violence resources, and agency services to community partners and stakeholders.
• Travel across multiple counties as required to represent clients and attend court proceedings or related meetings.
• Participate in office-wide functions, including staff meetings, trainings, and organizational initiatives.
• Provide legal support to other programs within the organization as needed.
• Provide ex-parte legal advice in Monroe County Family Court in collaboration with the Willow Court Advocacy Program to survivors who may be in crisis.

Legal Assistant – Education Law

Legal Assistant – Family Law

Staff Attorney – Family Law