Paralegal Casehandler, Consumer Law Project (Queens)

$60,033 - $91,932/Yr

Legal Aid Society - Kew Gardens, NY

Full-time - Entry Level

Kew Gardens, NY

Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations

About the position

The Paralegal Casehandler position at The Legal Aid Society's Consumer Law Project involves providing legal assistance and representation to low-income New Yorkers facing various consumer issues. The role includes working independently and collaboratively with attorneys to advocate for clients, particularly survivors of intimate partner violence, in matters such as credit card debt, identity theft, and bankruptcy. The position is integral to promoting economic justice and involves direct client interaction, legal research, and community outreach.

Responsibilities

• Conducting client intake and interviews
• Gathering, reviewing, and organizing client documents and court files
• Providing advice, counsel, and representation under the supervision of attorneys
• Preparing and reviewing petitions, schedules, statements, and other bankruptcy documents
• Assisting with legal research
• Advocating on behalf of clients with various administrative agencies, companies, and institutions
• Assisting clients in completing relevant petitions, letters, applications, and forms
• Providing administrative support with developing affirmative litigation; reviewing, organizing and preparing discovery, and managing cases
• Inputting and maintaining records in a case management system
• Creating and updating community education and training materials and participating in community outreach
• Advocating and lobbying on issues of importance to consumers
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Paralegal certificate from an ABA-accredited paralegal program or a bachelor's degree in a relevant field
• Excellent written, oral advocacy, and computer skills (Microsoft Office and Excel)
• Ability to work independently and in a team and manage a large workload
• Ability to coordinate and collaborate successfully with other groups and organizations
• Excellent time management, priority setting and organizational skills, and ability to multi-task
• Experience in and/or commitment to advocacy on behalf of low-income individuals and immigrants, particularly in the area of economic justice

Nice-to-haves

• Experience assisting people in crisis
• Proficiency in Spanish

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Paid vacation
• Disability insurance
• Life insurance
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility
• Loan repayment assistance for New York residents