Paralegal (Case Handler)

Paralegal (case handler)

Job Summary

LAC seeks a full-time Paralegal (case handler) to provide direct legal services, client and stakeholder training and education, community engagement, and policy advocacy. The position is based in NYC and will report to the Director of Legal Services.

About the Organization: LAC uses legal and policy strategies to fight discrimination, build health equity, and restore opportunities for people with criminal records, who use or used substances, have substance use disorders, or are living with HIV or AIDS. With offices in New York City and Washington, DC, LAC uses a multi-faceted approach to effectuate its mission and create systemic change, including through impact litigation, legal services, education, and policy advocacy. In addition, the recently created position of Director of Equity Officer helps ensure that individuals and communities directly impacted by mass incarceration and health inequity are centered in all aspects of LAC's work and in LAC's fulfillment of its commitment to racial justice and equity.

The paralegal will join LAC’s legal department, which comprises nine attorneys, two paralegals, a Legal Services & Litigation Assistant, and a Bilingual Legal Services Administrative Assistant and Training Coordinator, who provide litigation and legal services to over 1,000 people annually. The team also engages in robust education, outreach, and technical assistance programs that reach thousands more. (See some of our know your rights resources.) These programs inform – and are informed by – LAC’s policy advocacy and special projects, such as No Health = No Justice, the National H.I.R.E. Network, Clean Slate NY, and Parity for All.

Responsibilities:

Direct Legal Services

• Interview clients; provide clients with legal information, referrals, or advice under an attorney's supervision
• Work with attorneys to resolve client legal issues, including investigating and analyzing cases, and conducting advocacy
• Work with clients who have criminal legal system involvement to understand their records and develop effective “evidence of rehabilitation” packages, including help drafting personal statements, compiling letters of reference, and applying for sealing and Certificates of Relief or Good Conduct
• Manage cases and maintain client relationships during LAC's representation
• Enter and maintain accurate and timely data in our client management database
• Opportunities to represent clients in administrative proceedings when resources permit

Client and Stakeholder Training and Education

• Provide virtual and in-person training to clients, directly impacted communities, and providers/advocates working within those communities. This includes traveling to trainings held at community partner sites throughout New York City and occasionally in other New York counties
• Assist in the development of new print and web-based know-your-rights materials

Community Engagement

• Conduct virtual and in-person outreach within directly impacted communities and with organizations working within those communities, including making outreach presentations, attending community events throughout the five boroughs and occasionally other New York counties, and networking to generate cross-referrals

Policy Advocacy

• Opportunities to engage in policy advocacy when resources permit

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated interest in the rights of people with criminal legal involvement, people who are living with HIV/AIDS, or who use(d) substances, as well as a commitment to approach these issues through a racial justice lens. Candidates with lived experience are encouraged to apply
• Two years of college and at least one year of client service, customer service, or related work experience OR at least three years of client service, customer service, or related work experience. Work experience can include internships, volunteer work, and jailhouse lawyering or other work performed in jail or prison
• Strong communication skills with the ability to convey information clearly and effectively to people with varied levels of legal knowledge and understanding of LAC’s issue areas
• Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel) and ability to learn LAC’s client database
• Excellent organizational and time management skills; ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• Ability to coordinate and collaborate successfully with colleagues and clients, as well as other groups and organizations
• Ability to work from LAC’s New York office at least one day a week (Wednesdays); ability to travel to in-person events across New York City and occasionally other New York State counties
• Maintain business hours (9 am-5 pm or 10 am-6 pm); occasionally work late as needed

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience facilitating trainings or meetings, or other public speaking
• Experience with databases such as Salesforce or legal case management systems
• Fluency or proficiency in Spanish or another language spoken by the communities we serve is helpful but not required.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary is commensurate with experience, ranging from $55,500 to $65,500. Excellent benefits include medical insurance, 403(b) plan with employer contribution, and pre-tax flexible benefits.

Application Instructions

As a single PDF, please email your cover letter, résumé, and writing

sample (no calls) to humanresources@lac.org, and include “Paralegal (case handler)” in the subject line. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

The Legal Action Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Members of LAC's stakeholder populations are strongly encouraged to apply.

403(b) defined contribution plan, group health insurance plan, dental plan, vision plan, life insurance plan, short-term disability plan, long-term disability plan, and PTO (vacation, sick, personal, holidays).

Fluency or proficiency in Spanish or another language spoken by the communities we serve is helpful.