Supervising Legal Assistant - HCLU *(Internal Posting for LASROC Employees ONLY)
The Legal Aid Society of Rochester
- Rochester, NY
- $49,500-60,000 per year
- Permanent
- Full-time
- Maintain an appropriate caseload of landlord-tenant clients as an advocate.
- Assist attorneys in Rochester City Court Landlord-Tenant Part with gathering legal information, speaking with clients, and settling cases through negotiations with opposing counsel and landlords.
- Serve as a technical trial assistant to attorneys by cataloging, formatting, and organizing evidence (including electronic evidence) for hearings and adjournments.
- Draft and file legal correspondence and pleadings, including Answers, Motions, and letters, under attorney supervision.
- Research and determine public housing subsidy involvement in cases to support effective referrals to partner organizations.
- Maintain ongoing client contact via telephone and email for case updates and management.
- Manage and update case databases, including recording court appearance outcomes and assisting in identifying outside funding sources for clients.
- Organize and archive case materials for pending landlord-tenant cases, track adjournments, and prepare attorneys for court appearances.
- Conduct intake and identify legal issues for illegal lockout and constructive eviction cases.
- Assist attorneys with legal research, document preparation, and case management.
- Keep current on landlord-tenant law and practice to provide guidance and training to legal assistants.
- Maintain organized, confidential, and accurate case files.
- Participate in program staff meetings, Legal Aid Society events, and other organizational functions.
- Provide additional administrative and case support to attorneys as needed.
- Represent the Legal Aid Society in a professional and client-centered manner.
- Perform other related duties as assigned by supervisors.
- Provide leadership and direction to direct reports, including recruitment, onboarding, training, and performance management.
- Set clear expectations, goals, and priorities for team members and monitor progress toward achieving them.
- Conduct regular one-on-one meetings to provide feedback, support professional development, and address performance issues.
- Delegate tasks and responsibilities effectively, balancing workloads and ensuring optimal utilization of team resources.
- Foster a collaborative and inclusive team environment that encourages open communication, idea sharing, and teamwork.
- Mentor and coach team members to enhance skills, knowledge, and career growth.
- Lead by example, demonstrating professionalism, integrity, and commitment to the organization’s values and culture.
- Handle escalated issues or conflicts within the team, providing timely guidance and facilitating resolution.
- Collaborate with other departmental managers and stakeholders to ensure alignment of program initiatives with organizational goals.
- Prepare performance evaluation documentation; conduct reviews and evaluation meetings.
- Review and approve timecards and manage time-off requests.
- High School Diploma required; Associate degree in Paralegal Studies or related field preferred.
- 5+ years of legal assistant experience, including at least 2 years in a supervisory role.
- Strong knowledge of legal processes, terminology, and landlord-tenant law preferred.
- Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
- Proficiency with legal software, databases, and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Commitment to social justice and a passion for serving underprivileged communities.
- Extended periods of sitting at a desk or workstation while performing administrative tasks.
- Regular use of computers and other office equipment, requiring manual dexterity and visual concentration.
- Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
- Mobility within the office environment to attend meetings, training sessions, or other events.
- Ability to communicate effectively with associates, supervisors, and external stakeholders in person, over the phone, or via email.
- Office-based environment with standard office equipment and ergonomic furniture.
- Exposure to typical office noises such as phone calls, conversations, and office equipment operation.
- Work will be performed in an in-office environment.
- Occasional travel may be required for attending training sessions, conferences, or other related events.
- Hybrid Work schedule
- Paid Lunch Hour
- Employer contributions toward health and dental insurance plans
- Up to:
- 15 days of vacation to start (More based on experience)
- 96 hours of sick leave
- 48 hours of personal time
- 14 paid holidays a year
- $600 per year internet stipend
- 3% match on the 401(k) or Roth 401(k) plan of your choice
- 5% language differential for being proficient in a program-relevant language
- Professional development opportunities
- Paid Parking
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualifying employer