Legal Assistant

Human Development Services of Westchester (HDSW) is proud to have been involved in the evolution of community-based direct-care services for vulnerable populations in New York State since 1968. HDSW is a community-based not-for-profit, providing vital services to people throughout every corner of Westchester County. HDSW offers person-centered, trauma-informed services to approximately three thousand people each year, through a unique blend of inter-related programs. HDSW has been the designated Neighborhood Preservation Company (NPC) for the Village of Port Chester since 1979 with a focus on increasing and preserving affordable housing for village residents. Since becoming a U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) approved Local Housing Counseling Agency in 2006, the NPC has expanded services to provide housing counseling to residents throughout Westchester County, including tenant, homeowner, and homeless counseling, financial literacy and other workshops and services. We are dedicated to Creating Community and to having opportunities every day for people that matter. We are looking for qualified individuals to join our team.

The Legal Assistant is a critical member of the HDSW Eviction Prevention Legal Services team. HDSW is seeking a professional, meticulous, reliable, Legal Assistant to join our team. This is an in-office role supporting two housing attorneys with a mix of legal, housing, and general administrative tasks. Prior law office experience is required. We offer a friendly work environment and the chance to make a difference for those we support. The ideal candidate will be an intelligent individual who is self-motivated, organized, has critical thinking skills, the ability to multi-task, track deadlines and communicate with clients. Key responsibilities include preparation of and filing legal documents with courts, managing calendars, answering calls, and managing both electronic and physical files, etc. Provide direct assistance to lawyers, clients, and courts; conduct research, compile information and provide both written and verbal comments on findings; and handling routine procedural problems independently with minimal attorney oversight.

Education / experience : An associate degree (or higher) in paralegal / legal assistant / legal studies program or a certificate in a paralegal / legal assistant / legal studies program with a degree granted from a regionally accredited college or university, or approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) or an associate degree in any field where the degree was granted from a regionally accredited college or university, or approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) and one year of experience as a Paralegal / Legal Assistant or graduation from an accredited (ABA approved) law school with a degree required for NYS Bar.

Education / experience : An associate degree (or higher) in paralegal / legal assistant / legal studies program or a certificate in a paralegal / legal assistant / legal studies program with a degree granted from a regionally accredited college or university, or approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) or an associate degree in any field where the degree was granted from a regionally accredited college or university, or approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) and one year of experience as a Paralegal / Legal Assistant or graduation from an accredited (ABA approved) law school with a degree required for NYS Bar.

Qualifications :

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to manage confidential information with discretion and comfortable working independently in a small office. Must have Client Management System / Microsoft Office proficiency. Bi-lingual a plus. Must have own car and valid drivers license.

• NYS Justice Center Criminal History background Check clearance through fingerprinting search required, in addition to clearance through the Protection of People with Special Needs Staff Exclusion List, the NYS Medicaid Exclusion List and clearance by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services for instances of child abuse and / or neglect.
• Must be legally eligible to work in the United States.

Benefits :

HDSW is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Compensation details : 45000-58000 Yearly Salary

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