Job Title:  Legal Advocate

Reports To:  VLSP Managing Attorney

FLSA Status:  Exempt

Program Profile: VLSP's mission is to improve the quality of life of low-income residents of Monroe County by ensuring the existence of a readily available panel of skilled volunteer attorneys to resolve serious legal problems. VLSP coordinates pro bono work of approximately 1,500 lawyers that represent clients' civil legal needs. VLSP's friendly and creative staff is dedicated to ensuring that there are no unmet civil legal needs for low-income members of our community.

Summary Description: Under the direction of VLSP's Managing Attorney, the Legal Advocate will provide legal information, advice, and representation to immigrants facing health challenges or other obstacles. The program will offer partner health and human services agency referrals and services where immigrants live/work. Specifically, the Legal Advocate will assist low-income individuals by coordinating  legal representation, advice and counsel and conducting rural area clinics on immigration screening and family preparedness services. The Legal Advocate will plan, implement, and manage the work of the rural clinics, manage volunteer attorney recruitment/matching, and staff outreach events and clinics. 

In addition to immigration program duties, the Legal Advocate will be responsible for supporting VLSP's caseload; recruiting, screening, training and scheduling pro bono attorneys. Work may include monitoring volunteer activities and conducting intake interviews with clients; verifying income information. As needed, this position assists with VLSP's clinics, seminars, and staff training. In addition, there may be opportunities to support community legal and social justice committees, working groups, and events. 

The Legal Advocate should have a good understanding of basic legal concepts and preferably experience in other areas of the law that affect VLSP clients. The Legal Advocate must be sensitive to the pressures faced by VLSP's diverse constituents and present a pleasant and professional demeanor. This position requires the ability to work independently, exercise of sound and compassionate judgment while serving a diverse clientele that may be in crisis or have endured various forms of trauma. A strong commitment to justice, equity, community wellness, and a balanced sense of humor are strongly desired qualities. 

Education and/or Experience: Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree or certificate of completion from an approved paralegal program is preferred. Two years experience with immigration law is also preferred.  Experience serving low-income or special populations preferred.

Skills and/or Ability: Legal research, excellent written and oral communication skills, database and records/case management skills, strong interpersonal skills, ability to maintain record and information confidentiality, bi-lingual (fluency in Spanish and English preferred), telephonic and in-person interviewing skills, issue spotting, ability to perform outreach and prepare community education materials. Must be highly organized, detail oriented, and committed to working in a client-focused and collegial environment. 

Physical Demands: This position requires an employee to independently staff and conduct legal clinics outside the main office, and effectively communicate with court staff, clients, volunteers, partners, and colleagues. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision.  Ability to independently travel to and from legal clinic locations (within approximately one hour of VLSP's main office location).

Supervisory Responsibilities: Not applicable to this position.

Work Environment: Normal office conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate, typical interior/office work environment. 

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to jobs@vlsprochester.org.