Paralegal, LEAP (52629)

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Paralegal works alongside LEAP staff attorneys and supervisors to ensure that low-income residents receive high-quality, free legal services and assistance designed to preserve safe and affordable housing, and prevent needless homelessness by representing tenants facing illegal or unnecessary evictions, displacement, and tenant harassment. Specific duties and responsibilities include:

• Pre-screen potential cases through court-administered legal services programs
• Assist attorneys with coordinating and facilitating compliance with vacating and payment deadlines, along with compliance with probationary agreements
• Act as primary contact for clients from intake to case resolution and interpret for clients/attorneys as needed 
• Prepare, organize and file correspondence documents, including Court documents as necessary
• Requisition and obtain certified copies of documentary evidence from Courts, and Administrative Agencies as needed
• Draft, review, and/or assemble routine legal and litigation documents, including subpoenas, affidavits, pleadings, Orders to Show Cause, motions, etc.
• Conduct legal research as needed
• Maintain the office court calendar for upcoming appearances and hearings, using various databases including E-courts
• Update client tracking database, case monitoring, and other miscellaneous data entry assignments, as needed 
• Assist attorneys and clients in attaining outstanding repairs during litigation and after Court agreements or decisions; assist with drafting requests for inspection and conducting site visits to monitor access for repairs/ document observations 
• Assist attorneys in preparing witnesses and other materials for cases or trial
• Advocate on behalf of clients with social service organizations, governmental agencies, and other third parties to obtain needed services and benefits, etc.
• Facilitate and/or assist with evening Tenant’s Rights Workshops for Program participants and the community at large
• Attend staff or other meetings as designated
• Assist in identifying, advocating, and/or initiating building-wide repair resolution in conjunction with RiseBoro Tenant Organizer's possible Post Office runs
• Other responsibilities as assigned

COMPETENCIES

• A minimum of 2 years working in a legal office setting
• Bilingual: Spanish, Patois, Haitian-Creole, French-Creole preferred
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to multitask and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Strong writing, communication, and advocacy skills; possess an entrepreneurial spirit
• Ability to work independently and collaborate with others as a team
• Ability to problem-solving as needed
• Ability to build and maintain relationships
• Proficient in MS Office, Adobe, document scanning, and email communication required
• Willing to work with and support marginalized populations, such as people at-risk of homelessness, and immigrant communities
• Knowledge of motions, discovery, evidence, litigation documentation, Courts, and legal procedures preferred
• Knowledge of NYC Housing Court, entitlements, and rental assistance programs preferred
• Experience working in non-profit organizations preferred
• Commitment to RiseBoro’s mission, vision, and values
• Ability to understand the concepts of institutional and structural racism and bias and their impact on underserved and underrepresented communities
• Commitment to supporting communities that have experienced systemic oppression and bias (i.e. people of color, LGBTQ+ people, immigrants, justice-involved persons, etc.)

EDUCATION EXPERIENCE

• Associate’s Degree plus 2 years of experience in legal services required
• Paralegal Certificate, Bachelor’s Degree or Juris Doctor preferred

It is the policy of RiseBoro to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment. No individual will be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, age, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship status, political or union affiliation, marital or partnership status, sex, sexual orientation or affectional preference, gender identity, familial status, genetic information or predisposition or characteristic, disability, status as a victim of domestic violence, status as a veteran or member of the U.S. military and related obligations, or any other characteristic protected by law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, job placement, compensation, benefits, training and apprenticeship, employee development, promotion, demotion, discipline, transfer, lay-off, recall, and termination. RiseBoro makes reasonable accommodations based on religion and/or disability as required by law, and requests for accommodation are to be directed to the Human Resources Department.