AmeriCorps Legal Assistant (6 Month or 1 Year Term) - Rochester, NY

Salary: $2,000 Monthly

LEGAL ASSISTANCE OF WESTERN NEW YORK INC.® (LawNY®)

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT: AMERICORPS LEGAL ASSISTANT

ACCESS TO JUSTICE PROJECT (6 Month or 1 Year Term) - Rochester, NY

The Access to Justice Project is a partnership between LawNY® and AmeriCorps, America’s most preeminent volunteer service program, which seeks to address the legal needs of the poor by expanding the level of legal assistance available and helping low-income clients to access the legal system in order to achieve economic benefits, decent housing, health care and other critical basic needs.  In addition, members work to recruit and support community volunteers and enhance efforts at collaboration with local human services agencies.

AmeriCorps members provide intake and screening services for income-eligible persons seeking legal assistance with civil law problems and outreach to underserved populations.  They are offered the opportunity for direct, substantive legal experience, excellent training and a chance to make a critical difference for low-income and vulnerable populations and their communities.

Member Benefits:

Members receive a living allowance of $2,000 monthly for the duration of the contract term. They may also be eligible for aid in obtaining basic health coverage, housing and food assistance, an educational award of $3,447.50 for 6 months or $6,895.00 for 1 year, childcare expenses, and deferment of student loans.

The successful candidate may serve a contract term of either 6 months (900 hours) or 1 year (1,700 hours) in our Rochester office. For a 1 year contract, the term of service can begin between November 1, 2023 and February 1, 2024. For a 6 month contract, the term of service can begin anytime between November 1, 2023 and August 1, 2024.

Member Responsibilities:

1. Provide screening and intake for low-income persons seeking civil legal assistance;
2. Recruit and support volunteer lawyers, students and community members;
3. Assist staff attorneys in providing legal services to clients;
4. Work with community agencies serving low-income populations to strengthen collaborations;
5. Provide outreach and community education for targeted groups;
6. Participate on relevant program committees and work groups;
7. Participate in impact cases or projects.

Member Qualifications:

Members should have at least two years of college or equivalent experience.  Prior experience working with low-income persons is preferred.

Application Procedure:

To apply, please submit your cover letter, resume, and three references through LawNY®'s BambooHR platform, linked here and at www.lawny.org/Employment.

Legal Assistance of Western New York, Inc. (LawNY®) is an equal opportunity employer. LawNY® strongly encourages applications from Black, Indigenous and People of Color, women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, and persons from other underrepresented groups whose background may contribute to working in and sustaining an environment that enables staff and clients to feel empowered, valued, respected, and safe. LawNY® welcomes applications regardless of race, color, religion, veteran status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or any other consideration protected by law.