About the position
The Erie County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project (VLP) is seeking a full-time Family Law Paralegal to join our law office in Buffalo, NY. This position is integral to our Family Law unit, which provides essential legal services to low-income individuals facing various family and matrimonial issues. The Family Law Paralegal will play a crucial role in assisting clients who visit our Family Court Help Desk, a limited scope program designed to offer counsel and advice to individuals navigating Family Court cases. VLP operates as a mixed model civil legal services program, coordinating direct representation by both pro bono attorneys and our staff attorneys. Our Buffalo office is dedicated to handling a diverse range of civil legal services, with a strong emphasis on engaging pro bono lawyers to enhance the delivery of services to our clients. The Family Law Paralegal will be expected to work from our Buffalo office at least three days a week, including a mandatory Wednesday, while the remaining two days may be performed remotely after successfully completing the probationary period. Our office culture prioritizes work/life balance, promoting reasonable working hours and discouraging weekend work. The Family Law Paralegal will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including client screening and intake, data entry, file management, drafting legal documents, and providing general office support. This role requires a commitment to serving low-income clients from diverse backgrounds and a dedication to working in the public interest.
Responsibilities
- Client Screening/Intake
- Assist Walk-in Clients
- Data Entry
- Opening/Closing/Updating/Maintenance of Files
- Drafting Documents, Including Letters, Pleadings, Affidavits, Etc.
- Coordination of Volunteer Attorneys
- General Office Support Work
- Mail, Phones, Copying, Scanning, Faxing, Etc.
- Staff Outreach Activities as Needed
- Supporting Attorneys at the Family Court Help Desk Located in the Family Court Building
- Training Student Interns
- Other duties may be assigned
Requirements
- Proficient with computers and technology, including Microsoft 365, SharePoint, and electronic case management systems
- Ability to collect and manage data
- Ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively, with VLP staff and a variety of other partners, including volunteer attorneys, student interns, and court staff
- Excellent verbal and written skills
- Ability to multitask
- Comfortable serving low-income clients from diverse backgrounds
- Demonstrated commitment to working in the public interest
Nice-to-haves
- Paralegal degree or certificate
- Fluency in Spanish or Arabic
- Experience with Case Management software
- Experience or demonstrated interest in family or matrimonial law
Benefits
- Work/life balance with reasonable working hours
- Remote work options after probationary period
- Opportunity to work in a supportive environment focused on public interest law
