Senior Paralegal – Appeals and Post Conviction Unit

Buffalo, Inc.; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 51,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc. invites applications for a Senior Paralegal in our Appeals and Post Conviction Unit. This on-site role supports unit attorneys in preparing cases at all stages, with a focus on appellate work and post-conviction matters, based in Buffalo, NY at 290 Main St.

We offer a union position with competitive pay ($50,830–$62,710), comprehensive benefits, paid time off, and opportunities to contribute to public service in Western New York.

Qualifications

• Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered four (4) year college or university with a Bachelor’s degree, or graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered two (2) year college or University with an Associate’s degree in Paralegal Studies.
• Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and five (5) years of experience as a Paralegal; or
• An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the above standards.
• *Degree(s) must have been awarded by a college, university, or law school accredited by a recognized accrediting agency; if outside the U.S., independent equivalency verification may be required.

Responsibilities

• Reviews and assembles record materials necessary for the record on appeal.
• Prepares and edits drafts of briefs, pleadings, petitions, motions, orders, and other documents as directed by an attorney.
• Drafts and prepares related reports and correspondence.
• Obtains and assembles all necessary reports, documents, or court records relating to an appeal.
• Maintains accurate case records.
• Confers with caseworkers, service providers, educators, representatives of other agencies, probation officers or any other collateral individual, as required.
• Under the supervision of an attorney, performs legal research as directed and verifies citations and statutory references contained in legal documents.
• Files and organizes legal research materials as directed.
• Attends meetings, reviews, conferences or other functions, at various locations, as required by unit.

Skills

Legal research

Brief drafting

Case management

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Paralegal Studies

Associate degree in Paralegal Studies

High School diploma + 5 years experience as Paralegal

Job description

Senior Paralegal – Appeals and Post Conviction Unit

The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc. has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Paralegal in our Appeals and Post-Conviction Unit to contribute to our impact on Western New York communities. This union position offers an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of individuals in the Western New York community by assisting our unit attorneys in preparation of cases at every stage of their case. Given the nature of our work, this Senior Paralegal position is expected to work primarily on-site from our office located at 290 Main St., Buffalo, NY.

Who are we?

The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc. has been providing access to justice and due process to the most vulnerable individuals, children and families in the Western New York Community for over 100 years. Using a holistic approach, we provide quality, client-centered legal representation in a vast range of criminal and civil matters such as mandated criminal defense, mandated child and youth representation, consumer credit, employment, education, family, post-conviction, appeals, housing, employment, and immigration. Please visit our website to learn more.

Why Join Us?

Competitive Pay: Salary ranging from $50,830 – $62,710 commensurate with relevant experience.

Mission-Drive Culture:

• Supportive work environment
• Opportunities to learn and grow through collaboration with colleagues
• Schedule Flexibility within operating hours
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits for you and your dependents.
• Extensive paid time off programs – holiday, vacation, personal, sick time, and more
• Paid parenthood leave plan.
• 401(k) retirement plan with contributions made by the Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc. between 6 and 8% when eligible.
• Life insurance.
• Voluntary supplemental insurance offering, which include short-term disability, long-term disability, term life insurance plus more.
• Parking expense reimbursement plan, transit plan, flexible spending account, and more.

Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness: Eligible for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program and the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation Loan Forgiveness Program.

• Reviews and assembles record materials necessary for the record on appeal.
• Prepares and edits drafts of briefs, pleadings, petitions, motions, orders, and other documents as directed by an attorney.
• Drafts and prepares related reports and correspondence.
• Obtains and assembles all necessary reports, documents, or court records relating to an appeal.
• Maintains accurate case records.
• Confers with caseworkers, service providers, educators, representatives of other agencies, probation officers or any other collateral individual, as required.
• Under the supervision of an attorney, performs legal research as directed and verifies citations and statutory references contained in legal documents.
• Files and organizes legal research materials as directed.
• Attends meetings, reviews, conferences or other functions, at various locations, as required by unit.

Employment Standards:

• Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered four (4) year college or university with a Bachelor’s degree, or graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered two (2) year college or University with an Associate’s degree in Paralegal Studies.
• Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and five (5) years of experience as a Paralegal; or
• An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the above standards.

*Degree(s) must have been awarded by a college, university, or law school accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. If the degree was awarded by an educational institution outside the U.S. and its territories, the candidate must provide independent verification of equivalency.*

Additional Requirements

• Possession of a valid New York State Driver’s License and access to a registered, insured vehicle available for use during working hours or demonstrated capacity to meet the transportation needs of the position.

The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc., values diversity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of any protected class.

If you need a reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to the Human Resources Office.

Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. Following a review of applications, Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc. will only contact those applicants whose backgrounds align with the qualifications outlined above.