Paralegal, LEAP

Job Details1875 BROADWAY - BROOKLYN, NY Full Time Bachelor $30.22 - $35.72 Hourly None Day Shift LegalDescriptionESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESResponsibilitiesThe 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 agreementsAct 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 necessaryRequisition and obtain certified copies of documentary evidence from Courts, and Administrative Agencies as neededDraft, review, and/or assemble routine legal and litigation documents, including subpoenas, affidavits, pleadings, Orders to Show Cause, motions, etc.Conduct legal research as neededMaintain the office court calendar for upcoming appearances and hearings, using various databases including E-courtsUpdate 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 trialAdvocate 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 largeAttend staff or other meetings as designatedAssist in identifying, advocating, and/or initiating building-wide repair resolution in conjunction with RiseBoro Tenant Organizer's possible Post Office runsOther responsibilities as assignedCOMPETENCIESA minimum of 2 years working in a legal office settingBilingual: Spanish, Patois, Haitian-Creole, French-Creole preferredStrong organizational skillsAbility to multitask and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environmentStrong writing, communication, and advocacy skills; possess an entrepreneurial spiritAbility to work independently and collaborate with others as a teamAbility to problem-solving as needed Ability to build and maintain relationshipsProficient 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 communitiesKnowledge of motions, discovery, evidence, litigation documentation, Courts, and legal procedures preferredKnowledge of NYC Housing Court, entitlements, and rental assistance programs preferred Experience working in non-profit organizations preferredCommitment to RiseBoro’s mission, vision, and valuesAbility to understand the concepts of institutional and structural racism and bias and their impact on underserved and underrepresented communitiesCommitment to supporting communities that have experienced systemic oppression and bias (i.e. people of color, LGBTQ+ people, immigrants, justice-involved persons, etc.)Education ExperienceAssociate’s Degree plus 2 years of experience in legal services requiredParalegal Certificate, Bachelor’s Degree or Juris Doctor preferredEqual Employment Opportunity (EEO)/Affirmative Action PolicyIt 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.