Legal Assistant

Empire Justice Center, a highly respected, statewide legal services organization is seeking a qualified applicant the position of Legal Assistant.  The Legal Assistant will be responsible for managing and supporting the day-to-day administrative duties for the Rochester Office legal team. The ideal candidate for this position has a strong work ethic, exceptional problem solving skills and is comfortable in a fast paced and dynamic workplace.

Overview

Reporting to Legal Director, the Legal Assistant will be tasked with a variety of duties to support lawyers in all aspects of litigation, including drafting and filing documents, document assembly, , and maintaining and organizing files. The Legal Assistant will also help lawyers prepare for meetings, court appearances, motions, hearings, trials,, and trainings. They will use technology including computer software for organizing and managing the data and documents.

Legal Assistant Job Responsibilities:                                                                                                      

• Assist with administrative tasks as it relates to the Rochester office and attorneys.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Draft and send out basic correspondence with accuracy.
• Field telephone calls as needed.                                                                                                                                                       

• Edit legal documents including but not limited to briefs containing table of contents and table of authorities.
• Perform administrative duties, including proofreading and editing all materials for extreme accuracy and clarity and prepare final drafts of legal documents, including motion assembly.

• Service of process and E-filing knowledge (Federal and State) in preparation to file all types of legal documents including but not limite   to summons and complaint, answer, discovery requests, responses to opposing counsel, and motions.

• Assist with scheduling, as needed.
• Assist with travel plans, as needed.
• Make reservations for conference rooms on building-wide calendar

Provide administrative and secretarial support to attorneys.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Calls to arrange some services (i.e. printing, car rental, etc.)

• • Send monthly attorneys’ fees report to all EJC staff & update Excel worksheet
  • Update EJC profile on 211 and other outside agencies
  • Attend monthly receptionist meeting w/ Legal Aid, LawNY, VLSP
  • Report Toshiba meter reading and call for repairs
  • Serve as one of the point persons for office maintenance issues
  • Schedule sign language and interpreting and translating services
  • Coordinate the destruction of closed case files
  • Perform administrative duties, including proofreading and editing all materials for extreme accuracy and clarity and prepare final drafts of legal documents, including exhibits.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
  • Did all logistic work when filed briefs

Qualifications:

High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required

Associate's degree in paralegal studies, a paralegal certificate, or a Bachelor's degree preferred

7+ years of experience as an administrative assistant (preferably in a law firm supporting litigation), legal assistant, legal secretary, or paralegal

Ability to handle multiple projects with frequently changing priorities and deadlines.

Must have the ability to work as part of a team, as well as to work independently, with minimal supervision.

Bi-lingual in Spanish preferred

Proficient in the use of Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint

Knowledge of legal documents and terminology

Detail-oriented and highly organized

Experience supporting multiple attorneys

Excellent verbal and written communication skills and professional demeanor

Salary and Benefits

Salary is commensurate with experience and based on the organization's salary scale. 

Empire Justice Center offers a generous benefits package, including health insurance, pension and life insurance, vacation, holiday, personal and sick time.  We are an organization that supports and encourages a work/life balance.

Empire Justice Center is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and desires a diverse work force.  People of color, women, persons with disabilities, persons who are elderly, gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender are welcomed and encouraged to apply.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. If interested e-mail a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to employment@empirejustice.org  please include, Legal Assistant Rochester, First/Last Name to the subject line of the email. No phone calls or hard copies please. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Legal Assistant

employment@empirejustice.org