POSITION TITLE Legal Secretary
PRACTICE AREA/DEPARTMENT Eviction Defense Program
OFFICE LOCATION(s) Utica, NY
HOURS 35 Hours per week
SALARY RANGE $45,630 - $65,593 (DOE)
SUPERVISOR Managing Attorney
POSTING DATE February 26, 2025
APPLICATION DEADLINE Until position is filled
ABOUT
The Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York, Inc. (LASMNY) is a non-profit public interest law firm. We provide free legal information, advice and representation to people who are unable to afford a lawyer. Our staff provides services in the following, thirteen counties: Broome, Chenango, Cayuga, Cortland, Delaware, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego, and Otsego. In addition, our Agricultural Worker Program (AWP) services the entire New York State.
MISSION STATEMENT
LASMNY’s mission is to provide free legal assistance to low-income people facing civil legal problems that impact the basic needs of life. Through legal advice, emergency legal services and legal representation, we help lowincome people stabilize their finances, protect themselves and their children from domestic violence, obtain access to healthcare, avoid homelessness as a result of wrongful evictions, protect the family home from foreclosure and increase household income. We also target specific vulnerable populations with our services, such as senior citizens, victims of domestic violence, people with disabilities, refugees and immigrants, and veterans.
JOB SUMMARY
The Legal Secretary role provides clerical and administrative assistance to our attorneys and case handlers. When a receptionist is not available, the legal secretary will be responsible for managing the front desk, answering phones, greeting clients and visitors to the office, and managing incoming mail and deliveries.
Benefits
LASMNY offers a generous benefit package with a focus on work-life balance to promote a healthier work-life balance leading to higher productivity, creativity and overall well-being. Most benefits available date of
hire. Medical, Vision, Dental, Medical Waiver Program (if eligible), Basic/Voluntary Life Insurance, Health Savings Account, Flexible Savings Accounts, 403(b) plan, Employer Contributing 5% to SEP/IRA account, Mileage
Reimbursement, Professional Development, CLE Registration Fees, Attorney Registration Fees, Local & NYS Bar
Dues, Vacation, AFLAC, Sick, Personal, Parenthood Leave, Bereavement Leave, Jury Duty, Bar Study Leave, Employee Assistance Plan (EAP), Relocation Assistance, Parking, Loan Repayment/Public Service Loan Forgiveness and (18) paid Holidays.
LASMNY’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Accessibility (DEIA) Vision Statement
LASMNY is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Our differences fuel excellence and we strive to create an environment where every individual is valued and feels empowered to bring their full, authentic self to work. We are building a community rooted in openness and trust where colleagues have the resources to grow, thrive and fully contribute to achieving equal access to justice.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
• Effectively, efficiently, and politely communicate with clients and applicants for service in person and over the phone.
• Screen applicants for service and make referrals to other agencies and community resources, if appropriate.
• Open intakes and record client contacts in our case management system.
• Schedule client appointments and calendar court appearances in our case management system.
• Prepare and proofread legal correspondences, agreements, petitions, pleadings, motions, and discovery demands.
• Conduct additional administrative tasks, as necessary.
• Provides back up to the front office.
• Organize and scan mail to appropriate case handlers or individuals.
• Demonstrate a high level of professionalism in dealing with confidential and sensitive issues.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to new and changing technologies, including legal research tools.
• Regular and predictable attendance.
• Comply with all Legal Services Corporation regulations, LASMNY policies and procedures, and grantbased reporting requirements.
• Perform responsibilities and duties based upon department needs and requirements as assigned by the supervisor.
JOB QUALIFICATIONS
• Associate degree from an accredited paralegal program or equivalent.
• Two years of law office experience or other relevant experience.
• Experience with Landlord/Tenant law a plus.
• Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office and database management.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Bilingual or multilingual skills preferred.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Click on the following link to apply:
https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment....