Small County Contracts Paralegal

Join The Center for Elder Law & Justice (CELJ) and become part of an energetic team of advocates that provides a wide-range of legal services.

CELJ is looking to fill a part time small county contracts Paralegal to work out of our Lockport office.

This position will travel between Wyoming, Genesee and Steuben counties.

About CELJ: Center for Elder Law & Justice (CELJ) civil legal services organization fighting for justice, primarily for low-income older adults, in 10 counties in Western New York.

Our attorneys stop illegal evictions, save clients homes from foreclosure, put a stop to elder domestic violence, fight for public benefits, work with our local immigrant & refugee populations, and represent grandparents and other kinship care relatives in custody and neglect petitions in family court.

We also advocate for systems-wide policy changes, commenting frequently on changes to regulations and working with local elected leaders on legislation that will impact the poor and vulnerable older adults in our area.

We believe that independence and dignity are the hallmarks of justice.

Essential Functions: Paralegal is responsible for contact with potential clients, screening for immediate needs, and direct client contact throughout case.

This includes in person client visits, travel may be required.

Paralegal will be required to coordinate and collaborate with Office for the Aging.

Assist in drafting healthcare proxy and power of attorney documents Provide training, community outreach, and education to individuals and local community-based organization, and other advocates Coordinate and collaborate with other groups and organizations Represent the civil practice and legal aid in the community Effectively utilizing timekeeping software Preferred Qualifications: 0 – 5 years of practice experience Legal services background, or knowledge of general civil legal work, helpful Strong professional, verbal and written communication skills Strong organizational skills Ability to work both independently and also part of a group Ability to work efficiently and accurately while exhibiting patience and diplomacy Travel is required CELJ offers a competitive benefits and compensation package, including: Generous vacation and sick time Employer covered health, dental & vision Fourteen holidays a year, plus two half-day holidays Summer hours between Memorial Day and Labor Day Payment of license fees and association dues Encouragement of professional development Eligible for Federal Loan Forgiveness Location: Buffalo or Lockport with remote availability Salary is based on experience and alignment with steps in union scale.

To Apply: Send cover letter and resume to Chief Human Resources Officer, Rachel Haseley CELJ is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Employer recruits without regard to sex, race, sexual orientation, or gender identity, and any such candidates are strongly encouraged to apply