Legal Assistant
Department: Legal
Team: Legal
Reports to: Staff Attorney
Direct Reports: None
Employment Status: Permanent, Full Time/Exempt (40 hours/week)
Location: Applicants based in New York City, Long Island, Capital Region, Hudson Valley, Western New York, or Finger Lakes are welcome to apply. Position will require regular travel within New York State, including the regions listed above and other parts of New York State. This position is mostly on-site, with a requirement of being in the office 4 days per week and remote 1 day per week.
Salary: $59,100/year
Overview of the Organization
The New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) is an umbrella policy and advocacy organization for nearly 200 groups in New York State. We envision a New York State that is stronger because all people are welcome, treated fairly, and given the chance to pursue their dreams. Our mission is to unite immigrants, members, and allies so all New Yorkers can thrive. We represent the collective interests of New York’s diverse immigrant communities and organizations and devise solutions to advance them; advocate for laws, policies, and programs that lead to justice and opportunity for all immigrant groups; and build the power of immigrants and the organizations that serve them to ensure their sustainability, to improve people’s lives, and to strengthen our state.
Our organizational values: Inclusive & Representative; Fair & Just; Accountable & Trusted.
Position Overview
The Legal Assistant will assist in playing a critical role in contributing to a network of legal services across several regions of New York State, with a focus on vulnerable immigrant populations and emerging legal services needs. The Legal Assistant will report to the Staff Attorney and will work closely with internal teams as well as external partners, including legal service providers and community-based organizations.
NYIC Legal delivers limited scope legal services via legal clinics (in-person, remote, or hybrid) and remote 1:1 legal assistance. NYIC Legal also develops special projects and rapid response initiatives to serve clients caught in the midst of changing immigration laws, policies, and practice. The Legal Assistant will ensure that the legal support services provided through this program are high quality and culturally responsive.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Client Communication: Monitor and triage prescreen channels to receive new requests, facilitate appointments and scheduling, and share relevant information and standardized advice.
- Direct Services: Complete screenings, provide legal filing support (including printing, compiling, and tracking all necessary documents required for legal applications/motions), draft certified translations of legal documents and resources, and provide notary services.
- Mailing and File/Document Management: Oversee the scanning, packaging, and mailing of applications to ensure timely submission. Request, organize, and ensure the secure storage of digital and physical client records.
- Tracking and Reporting: Ensure efficient and accurate tracking of legal services provided. Adhere to internal protocols, including with regards to the protection of personal identifying information and data privacy.
- Project Support: Support Senior Paralegals with complex projects such as organizing and participating in legal clinics, adhering to new administrative workflows, and ensuring accurate data of legal services completed.
- May occasionally move or carry materials weighing 50 pounds or less.
- Perform other administrative duties consistent with the responsibilities listed above and other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Demonstrated commitment to the NYIC’s mission.
- Strong organizational skills with a keen attention to detail.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Bilingual English- and Spanish-language speaker required.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and legal software applications.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
- Previous experience as a legal assistant or in a similar role is preferred.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer
Salary: $59,100/year**
**The NYIC has a transparent and equitable salary structure. Starting salaries for each position are set in advance with no room for negotiation.
In addition to a competitive salary, the NYIC offers a full benefit plan, unlimited vacation time after 90 days of employment, paid sick time, commuter benefits and a comprehensive retirement plan.
To Apply: Interested candidates should submit a resume and a cover letter through Breezy.
All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, immigration status or citizenship, sex, age, disability or marital status.
Skills Required
- Commitment to the organization’s mission
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Bilingual English- and Spanish-language proficiency
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and legal software applications
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
- Previous experience as a legal assistant or in a similar role
- Legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer
What We Do
The New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) is a statewide, member-led coalition representing more than 200 immigrant and refugee organizations in New York. It strengthens members’ power, organizes and educates immigrant communities and the public, and advocates for policies that advance opportunity and justice. Its work includes immigration legal services, health access, language access, workers’ rights, education, and immigration enforcement reform.
