Paralegal – Consumer Law Crime Victims

About Us

CAMBA is a community of staff, volunteers, clients, donors, neighbors and partners who work together to build an inclusive New York City, where all children and adults have access to the resources and supports they need to thrive. We take a comprehensive approach by offering more than 180 integrated programs in: Education & Youth Development, Family Support, Job Training & Employment Support Services, Health, Housing, and Legal Services. We reach more than 72,000 individuals and families each year at our 100 locations, including 10,000 youth. CAMBA serves a diverse cross section of New Yorkers from new mothers in Brownsville to job seekers in the Rockaways. More than half of our clients are immigrants and refugees from around the globe. Over 85% of our families live in poverty, reflecting the challenges faced by nearly 1.7 million New Yorkers today.

CAMBA Legal Services, Inc. (CLS) is the legal services arm of CAMBA, Inc. CLS provides free civil legal services to low-income New Yorkers in the areas of consumer law, foreclosure prevention, immigration, housing law, and domestic violence assistance. In addition to providing direct representation and legal advice to thousands of clients, CAMBA attorneys engage in legislative advocacy, impact litigation, community education, and expert training on a wide range of issues.

Responsibilities

• Assist clients in completing CLS intake applications and forms.
• Conduct legal intake and assessment of client’s situations and needs.
• Research and analyze law sources such as statutes, recorded judicial decisions, legal articles, and legal codes.
• Prepare legal documents such as letters of advocacy, affidavits, and forms for administrative or court hearings.
• Investigate facts and law of case to determine causes of action/defenses and prepare case accordingly.
• Maintain accurate and comprehensive document/client files including up-to-date case note documentation and enter relevant data into the data system.
• Deliver or direct delivery of legal documents to court clerk in immigration court or state court.
• Follow up with clients and other organizations regarding client progress toward legal goals.
• Recommend and implement strategies to persuade clients to participate fully in their own legal process.
• Act as client liaison/advocate to coordinate with internal and external programs and agencies to make referrals and ensure integrated services delivery regarding matters such as domestic violence, housing, immigration, consumer, and foreclosure issues.
• Prepare marketing and outreach materials for the program.
• Conduct outreach to the community to inform them of legal services and recruit clients.
• Conduct presentations and trainings to community-based organizations and government agencies.
• Provide information about and referrals to services such as shelters, housing programs, counseling, public assistance, and other entitlements or victim service programs.
• Provide victim advocacy and accompaniment services.
• Interpret for clients and staff as needed; translate documents and forms.
• May conduct home visits to perform intake and follow-up services.
• May assist clients in completing applications for benefits, entitlements, adjustments of status, citizenship, etc., and may process applications on clients' behalf.
• May file motions, briefs, pleadings, legal memos, and appeals with court clerk.
• May help with reporting and/or billing.
• May act as law librarian, keeping and monitoring legal volumes and ensuring they are up-to-date.
• May provide all required information for weekly/monthly/quarterly/annual reports.
• May provide group presentations to advise potential clients of their legal rights and responsibilities.
• May prescreen clients over the telephone for eligibility and schedule intake appointments.
• Perform other related tasks as reasonably assigned, including assisting with administrative paralegal tasks in limited circumstances.

Requirements

• Associate’s Degree (A.A.) and two years of applicable experience or Bachelor's degree (B.A. or B.S.) and/or equivalent experience.
• Prior experience working in consumer and/or immigration field preferred.
• Prior experience working with crime victims.
• Fluency in Spanish strongly preferred.

Pay

$63,860 - $96,551 annually. When salary ranges are listed, the range represents the low and high end for the applicable position and program. The salary offered would be based on various factors unique to each program and candidate, including but not limited to experience, education, budget, program size, internal equity, and skills.

Schedule

Full-time (35 hours per week).

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match
• Paid time off (vacation, personal, and sick time)
• Paid holidays