The Western New York Law Center, Inc. (WNYLC) is a not-for-profit corporation formed in 1996, which represents low-income Western New Yorkers in civil matters, including educational advocacy, consumer debt, foreclosure prevention, and bankruptcy. The School Discipline Project (SDP) is a newer department within the Law Center which seeks to address the racial, economic, and ability discrepancies in the Buffalo Public Schools discipline system by providing access to free representation and ensuring the due process rights of students and families. We also assist families in obtaining and modifying IEPs, helping families get the special education services their child is entitled to.
The WNYLC SDP Paralegal is a full-time position for The School Discipline Project. Key qualification includes having a dedication to public interest work; the ability to respectfully interact with diverse staff members, community members and clients from all backgrounds; a paralegal certificate is preferred but not required; prior advocacy background is preferred but not required; prior work experience in education/special education is preferred but not required.
Paralegal Responsibilities:
- Paralegal/Non-Attorney Student Advocate is responsible for all departmental intakes. Specifically, the Paralegal/Non-Attorney Student Advocate is responsible for contact with potential clients, screening for immediate needs, and direct client contact throughout case.
- Assessing and evaluating cases for acceptance in collaboration with Supervising Attorney.
- Accuracy in opening, maintaining, and closing cases in case management system by entering case notes documenting client contacts.
- Drafting correspondence and documents to clients and opposing parties.
- Scheduling hearings on Attorney/Law Clerk/ WNYLC-All calendars.
- Working collaboratively with other partners & community groups serving our clients.
- Conducting community outreach and staffing periodic off-site clinics.
- Balancing strong listening skills with effective time management during the intake process.
- Knowledge of community resources
- Working closely with Attorneys & Law Clerks to identify potential defenses, key issues, and potential resolutions to cases.
- Ability to work independently and complete tasks requiring follow-up on cases in a busy environment.
- Conduct administrative tasks.
- Occasionally advocate for clients in administrative hearings.
- Occasionally use templates to draft pleadings.
- During summer Paralegal may be temporarily assigned to a higher volume department.
- Perform other reasonable, related duties as assigned by Supervising Attorney and other Management.
Preferred Qualifications:
- College degree, or paralegal certificate.
- Experience with educational advocacy, special education, or social work; very helpful.
- Must have ability to prioritize, organize and manage workload.
- Strong writing, interpersonal, organizational and presentation skills.
- Proficient with MS Office, including Word, Outlook, and Excel, and able to efficiently use technology resources.
- Proven ability to relate well to people who are low-income or of diverse nationalities and cultures.
- Professional demeanor and strong time management skills.
- Potential local travel required.
- Limited need to work evening or weekend hours, for a clinic or outreach events.
Salary and Benefits:
Salary Range is $44,881 - $53,590. Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. WNYLC offers a competitive salary and generous benefits package including paid health, dental and vision insurance, 3 weeks of vacation, 12 paid holidays plus paid week off between Christmas and New Year’s, sick and personal leave, eligibility for public student loan forgiveness, paid life insurance, pension plan, Flexible Spending Account, and paid memberships.
How to Apply:
Please send a resume and cover letter to Lauren Haas, Operations Manager, at lhaas@wnylc.net.
WNYLC is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Employer recruits without regard to sex, race, sexual orientation, or gender identity, and any such candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. |