Paralegal: Civil Unit Buffalo, NY

Full-Time Paralegal - General Civil - Buffalo, NYNote: Both a resume and cover letter explaining your interest in the position ARE REQUIRED to consider your application.The Erie County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project (VLP) is seeking one (1) Full-Time Paralegal: Civil Unit for our law office in Buffalo, NY. The Paralegal will provide a range of legal and administrative support to the Supervising Attorney, Department of Health Attorneys, and other legal professionals within the firm. This position supports civil legal matters from intake through resolution and assists with client communication, case preparation, documentation, filing, and other administrative and legal support functions.VLP is a mixed-model civil legal services program that coordinates direct representation by pro bono attorneys and by our staff attorneys in our two locations: Buffalo and Batavia, NY. The Buffalo office handles a wide variety of civil legal services, with a focus on involving pro bono lawyers in the delivery of our services to clients. The Batavia office provides immigration representation to individuals detained in the Federal Detention Facility in Batavia, NY.This position will work out of our Buffalo, NY office with the ability to work a hybrid remote/in-office schedule after the successful completion of the 90-day introductory period.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS * Case Intake, Eligibility, and Case Preparation: * Conduct intake, eligibility screening, and preparation of a variety of civil cases, including bankruptcies, estates, end-of-life planning, name changes, divorces, and other civil matters, from the intake stage through resolution of the legal matter. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: * Conduct client intakes and eligibility screenings. * Provide referrals to appropriate resources and services. * Review and process intake paperwork. * Communicate and follow up with clients throughout the intake and case process. * Ensure required documentation is received and complete. * Schedule calls and meetings for VLP attorneys. * Meet with clients as needed. * Contact clients, opposing parties, attorneys, and other parties as directed. * Maintain accurate documentation, case notes, and records in the LegalServer case management system. * Legal Support * Provide legal and administrative support to VLP attorneys, including, but not limited to: * Meet with attorneys, clients, and other professionals to discuss assigned cases and projects. * Draft correspondence to clients, opposing parties and counsel, courts, volunteer attorneys, and other parties. * Draft legal documents, including routine pleadings, motions, affidavits, interrogatories, petitions, judgment rolls, and other legal documents. * Research and analyze statutes, regulations, legal articles, judicial decisions, and other legal sources; provide written summaries and analysis to attorneys. * File motions, pleadings, and other legal documents in accordance with applicable court rules and procedures, including through the New York State Courts Electronic Filing System (NYSCEF). * Witness the execution of legal documents. * Notarize documents. * Assist clients with completing necessary documentation. * Close files as directed. * Attorney and Supervisory Support * Provide support to assigned attorneys and the Supervising Paralegal as directed. * Assist with additional case-related and administrative tasks as needed. * Administrative Responsibilities * Draft, prepare, and mail client correspondence. * Enter, maintain, and report data in required databases and systems. * Maintain accurate and organized case and administrative records. * Backup Coverage * Provide backup coverage for other paralegal and administrative functions as assigned.ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES * Assist with community outreach efforts and participate in community events as needed. * Travel may be required. * Perform other