Legal Assistant

Mental Health Advocates of WNY; Buffalo (NY); Presencial; USD 25.000 - 39.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

403(b) Retirement Plan with employer 4

Employer-Paid Life Insurance and AD&D

Employee-Assistance Program (EAP)

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Paid Sick Leave

12 Holidays + 1 Floating Holiday

Professional Development Opportunities

Summer Hours Program

One Remote Workday Per Week

35-Hour Workweek

Descripción de la vacante

Mental Health Advocates of Western New York (MHA) is seeking a Legal Assistant to support our Legal Services Program. You will assist with client intake, prepare and file legal documents, and maintain organized case files with confidential information.

The role requires strong organizational skills, knowledge of legal terminology, and proficiency in Microsoft Office. You will coordinate attorney calendars, communicate with clients and court personnel, and help prepare data for grants and

Formación

• Paralegal education or equivalent legal experience is required.
• Strong knowledge of legal terminology, court procedures, and document preparation.
• Experience with deadlines, confidential information, and client communications is essential.

Responsabilidades

• Assist with client intake by gathering documentation and financial eligibility information.
• Prepare, format, proofread, file, serve, mail, deliver, and track legal documents.
• Maintain accurate case files and enter data in databases.
• Coordinate attorney calendars and schedule court appearances.
• Communicate professionally with clients, court personnel, and partners.
• Provide procedural information (not legal advice) and referrals.
• Maintain case notes and time records per guidelines.
• Prepare data for grant and funder reporting.
• Support the Legal Services Director and attorneys.

Conocimientos

Legal terminology

Court procedures

Document drafting

Microsoft Office

Database management

Written communication

Verbal communication

Organizational skills

Time management

Regulations interpretation

Confidentiality

Team player

Empathy for mental health

Independent judgment

Educación

Associate Paralegal Degree

Bachelor + Paralegal Certificate

Bachelor + 1 year legal exp

HS Diploma/GED + 5y legal exp

Equivalent education/experience

Herramientas

Microsoft Word

Excel

Outlook

Database software

Descripción del empleo

Position:

Legal Assistant

Employment Type:

Full Time, Non-Exempt Hourly

Reports To:

Administrative Director of Legal Services

About Us:

At Mental Health Advocates of Western New York (MHA), our Legal Services Program is dedicated to protecting the rights of individuals facing mental health challenges and ensuring access to justice for some of the most vulnerable members of our community. We work at the intersection of mental health and law, helping individuals secure stability, dignity, and basic needs.

Our team values compassion, professionalism, collaboration, and integrity. If you are mission-driven and want your work to make a real difference in Western New York, this is the place for you. We offer a supportive, employee-centered environment that prioritizes work/life balance. Benefits may include hybrid flexibility (when appropriate), summer hours, comprehensive benefits, and access to our on-site gym.

Position Summary:

• Assist with client intake by gathering documentation and financial eligibility information as required.
• Prepare, format, proofread, file, serve, mail, deliver, and track legal documents including pleadings, motions, petitions, notices, correspondence, and court forms.
• Maintain accurate and organized electronic and physical case files, including timely entry and management of case information within database systems.
• Coordinate attorney calendars, schedule court appearances, monitor deadlines, and assemble case files and supporting documentation for court proceedings.
• Communicate professionally with clients, court personnel, opposing counsel, service providers, and community partners via phone, email, and in person.
• Provide procedural information and referrals within the scope of the role (without offering legal advice).
• Maintain detailed case notes and time records in accordance with program and funder requirements.
• Compile and prepare statistical data and documentation necessary for grant and funder reporting.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of all client records and communications.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and continuous quality improvement initiatives.
• Provide administrative and operational support to the Legal Services Program Director and attorneys.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support effective program operations.

Qualifications:

One of the following:

• Associate’s Degree in Paralegal Studies; OR
• Bachelor’s Degree with a Paralegal Certificate; OR
• Bachelor’s Degree with at least one (1) year experience in a legal setting; OR
• High School Diploma/GED with five (5) years of experience as a legal assistant, paralegal, or legal secretary; OR
• An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred:

• Experience working with low-income individuals, individuals with disabilities, or vulnerable populations.
• Experience in civil legal services or public interest law.

Required Skills:

• Strong understanding of legal terminology, court procedures, and document preparation/drafting
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and database management systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to read and interpret government regulations and court documents.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain high levels of confidentiality and discretion.
• Professional demeanor and collaborative, team-first attitude.
• Sensitivity to the needs of individuals experiencing mental health challenges.
• Sound independent judgment within scope of role.

Employee Benefits Include:

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance

• Health Savings Account (HSA) with Employer Contribution (for eligible employees)

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) with Employer Contribution (for eligible employees)

• 403(b) Retirement Plan with Up to 4% Employer Match

• Employer-Paid Life Insurance and AD&D Coverage

• Employee-Assistance Program (EAP)

• Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Paid Sick Leave

• 12 Paid Holidays plus 1 Floating Holiday

• Professional Development Opportunities

• Summer Hours Program

• One Remote Workday Per Week

• 35-Hour Workweek

Travel Requirements:

Incumbents must possess a valid Driver License and reliable transportation with the ability to travel within New York State, as well as nationally, if required

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described represent those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and sit for long periods of time. The employee is required to regularly reach with arms and hands; use hands to handle. Hands and fingers frequently perform repetitive motion including typing/keying. Occasionally the employee will lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. This job requires close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. Employee is required to regularly talk and hear.

The above job description is not a contractual or binding document; it is provided as a guide to the types of duties required to be undertaken. Duties may vary from time to time, and this description is subject to review. Modifications will be made as needed to support changes in the business climate and requirements.

The Mental Health Advocates of WNY is an equal employment opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on merit and business needs, and not on race, color, citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, age, weight, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, marital status, veteran status, political affiliation, or any other factor protected by law.