Paralegal, Family Defense, Queens

Primary responsibilities

The Paralegal’s primary responsibility will be to work collaboratively with attorneys representing parents in Family Court who are respondents in Article 10 and Termination of Parental Rights proceedings, and to support attorneys in CFR’s Civil, Criminal, and Immigration practices.

Tasks and responsibilities include the following:

• Assist program staff with case preparation and management
• Support program staff in person on intake days by tracking cases filed, participating in intake interviews, obtaining and organizing case information and supporting the team in any additional intake matters when requested
• Conduct timely conflict checks in the client database
• Open and close client virtual and physical files
• Prepare letters to clients
• Assist with the borough office’s file maintenance organization and upgrades
• Enter all client data into the database accurately
• Prepare and serve legal papers throughout the five boroughs and Long Island
• Initiate and follow up on requests for records, including travel to NYC, courthouses, hospitals, clinics and other agencies
• Initiate and follow up on time sensitive transcript requests
• Research case citations on Westlaw
• Assist with the administration of our Continuing Legal Education program
• Produce practice and training materials
• Assist with in office responsibilities including participating in client meetings, tasks assigned by the client legal team, front desk coverage, answering and directing phone calls, sorting mail and packages, and greeting visitors
• Participate in office-wide policy initiatives
• Bilingual paralegals help interpret for clients and translate documents
• Assist in training new paralegals.

Paralegals receive ongoing supervision and support from Litigation Supervisors. Paralegals participate in CFR’s internal professional development training opportunities for program staff on our Cornerstone Advocacy model, child welfare, family court, client interviewing, and other critical skills. CFR is dedicated to providing ongoing professional development in best practices in all these areas in a variety of training forums for all staff.

Qualifications

• Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree or relevant work experience; preferably with some prior experience, including internships, with the NYC child welfare, education, housing or public benefits’ systems or other social justice experience.
• Applicants should be able to demonstrate a strong undergraduate academic record, strong interpersonal and communication skills, a commitment to supporting families, and a desire to share in both the exhilaration and challenges of a growing endeavor.
• Applicants who are bilingual are strongly encouraged to apply.

Salary & Benefits

0 years of experience: $60,000/year

2 years of experience: $62,400/year

4 years of experience: $64,900/year

10 years of experience: $71,300/year

CFR offers a generous compensation package, including a competitive base salary as well as health, 403(b) and vacation benefits. The salary, benefits, and employment policies relevant to this position are governed by the Collective Bargaining Agreement between CFR and the CFR Union, part of ALAA (Association of Legal Aid Attorneys) UAW 2325.

CFR strives to create an inclusive and antiracist environment for all of its staff, and candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply; CFR is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Apply

Candidates should submit their cover letter and resume through CFR’s Career Portal.