Coordinator - Private Attorney Involvement Program

COORDINATOR - PRIVATE ATTORNEY INVOLVEMENT (PAI) PROGRAM The PAI Program The Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York (LASNNY) is a not-for-profit law firm for low-income people that serves 16 counties in northeastern New York. We have a full-time legal staff that handles civil (no criminal) cases in certain areas of the law. But the demand for our services is heavy and diverse. Therefore, our Private Attorney Involvement (PAI) program refers eligible clients to our sizeable panel of volunteer private attorneys for pro bono assistance. Cases referred include housing, bankruptcy, SSI, divorce and other family law for victims of domestic violence, wills, health care proxies, etc. The PAI referral program is an essential component of LASNNY. Responsibilities: Perform intake interviews of new clients seeking representation in a variety of legal matters through the PAI Program. Provide information and basic advice to clients, under the supervision of an attorney, and assign cases, as appropriate, to volunteer private attorneys. Also responsible for assisting with the Assigned Counsel Project, a mandatory pro bono divorce program serving Albany and Rensselaer Counties. Other cases for possible referral will be referred by special project casehandlers and intake specialists. There will be extensive client and attorney contact. Responsible for the PAI program’s events, clinics, community outreach and other offsite projects; for administrative, secretarial and clerical functions; and for preparing reports to funders and the CLE Board. Expected to attend some nighttime Bar Association meeting/dinner functions. Responsible for assisting in recruitment of new attorneys, including assisting with trainings for private attorneys and participating in other PAI recognition events. Responsible for referrals in Clinton, Franklin, Hamilton, Essex, and other counties surrounding the Capital District. Other duties as assigned by PAI Director. Qualifications: Two years paralegal or administrative assistant experience. Excellent interpersonal and communications skills because of extensive contact with clients, staff and attorneys. Intelligent and detail oriented. Responsible, reliable, flexible, motivated and able to work independently. Able to type 50 wpm and work with Word, Wordperfect, Excel and QuattroPro. Ability to write clear letters using correct grammar and punctuation. Prior experience in law office or college degree preferred. Must have a car and valid New York driver’s license. Ability to speak Spanish a plus.

Salary: From $25,195 to $32,907 DOE. Benefits: Excellent benefits. Three weeks of paid vacation in year one (four weeks in year two) as well as generous sick and personal leave time available immediately to the employee. Complimentary group term life insurance and long-term disability coverage. Expansive health insurance coverage with most of the premium employer paid. Other benefits include dental, vision, FSA, an employer contributed retirement plan, relocation assistance and many more.