Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York, Inc. (LASMNY)
Outreach Paralegal (Bilingual) – Full-Time
Farmworker Law Project – Western New York, Possibility of Remote Position
Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York, Inc.
Position – The Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York, Inc. (LASMNY) is actively seeking a full-time bilingual Outreach Paralegal for its Farmworker Law Project (FLP). FLP represents farmworkers, nursery workers, packinghouse workers, and food processing workers across New York State, with a focus on impact litigation. FLP is seeking someone willing to travel to migrant labor camps across New York and serve as a support for FLP’s litigation needs. The ideal individual for this job is independent, can think on their feet, and wants to play a leading role in providing services to farmworkers in underserved parts of New York.
Location – FLP is looking for an outreach paralegal who would be based out of Western New York and cover FLP’s outreach needs in that region. FLP staff are generally allowed to work from home at the discretion of the Managing Attorney, but the paralegal may have possible access to office space in Rochester when needed. The ability to work out of LASMNY’s Utica or Binghamton offices is also an option upon approval.
Essential Job Functions – FLP’s legal practice focuses on employment, wage and hour claims, workplace safety (including COVID-19 issues), housing conditions and unlawful evictions, civil rights, discrimination, wage deflation, sexual harassment, and labor trafficking. The new outreach paralegal will be integral in building FLP’s litigation practice, and will have the opportunity to identify issues in the field and work with FLP’s attorneys to find creative ways to address them.
This job does require frequent travel to labor camps across New York State to meet with clients and to lead and facilitate community legal education activities with farmworkers (with strict COVID-19 safety parameters). The paralegal will be responsible for helping draft and distribute know-your-rights materials for farmworkers. All relevant outreach and legal training will be provided by LASMNY. FLP staff also frequently collaborate with other organizations and agencies in representing clients or tackling agricultural worker issues, both within New York and nationally. This position requires the Outreach Paralegal to comply with all Legal Services Corporation (LSC) regulations, LASMNY policies and procedures, and grant-based reporting requirements.
Job Qualifications
- Demonstrated commitment to LASMNY’s client population;
- Prior work with farmworkers and/or other low-wage workers a plus;
- Bilingual fluency in Spanish required;
- Familiarity with legal profession and civil legal services for low-income individuals, households, and communities required;
- Ability to handle assigned files, communicate effectively with clients, and assist with delivering quality legal services;
- Willingness to travel to farm labor camps around the state, including at night and for overnight trips;
- Ability to work independently, but under supervision;
- Willingness/ability to keep accurate case records and outreach notes in LASMNY’s case management system;
- Proficient with Microsoft Office and database management;
- Valid NYS Driver’s License or ability to obtain NYS license required.
Benefits – Estimated salary range is $50,250-$71,378, dependent on experience. LASMNY, a non-profit public interest law firm, offers a generous benefits package, most benefits are effective as of date of hire—medical, vision, dental, life, supplemental life, health savings and flexible spending accounts, 403(b), SEP/IRA, mileage reimbursement, professional training opportunities, CLE/Attorney registration fees, NYS/Local County Bar dues, PTO, Parental Leave, Bereavement Leave, Jury Duty Leave, Bar Exam Leave, EAP, Loan Repayment Assistance Program, Parking, Relocation Assistance and (14) Holidays. Work from home and remote work possible, particularly for applicants in western New York.
For consideration, please provide a cover letter, resume, and contact information, including email address, for (3) professional references to jobs@LASMNY.org. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. We apologize in advance, but due to the volume of applications received, only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. Expected start date of April 14, 2023.
The Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York, Inc. (LASMNY) is committed to a diverse, well-balanced, and inclusive workforce. We strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply for our positions. Women, people of color, LGBTQ applicants, veterans, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
LASMNY is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.