Legal Assistance of Western New York, Inc.

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

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT: AMERICORPS LEGAL ASSISTANT

ACCESS TO JUSTICE PROJECT (6 Month Term) - Multiple Office Locations

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. LawNY, Inc. operates offices in Jamestown, Olean, Bath, Elmira, Ithaca, Geneva and Rochester, New York.

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 $1,000.00 semi-monthly for the duration of the contract term. They may also be eligible for aid in obtaining basic health coverage, an educational award of  $3,247.50 for 6 months, childcare expenses and deferment of student loans. The successful candidates may serve for 6 months (900 hours) in one of our seven LawNY office locations. The term of service can begin between November 1, 2022 and August 1, 2023 for a 6-month term.

** This position is available in our Ithaca, NY - Elmira, NY - Bath, NY - Jamestown, NY - Olean, NY - Geneva, NY and Rochester, NY office locations.

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 a letter of interest indicating your preferred office location with a resume and (3) references via Bamboo. Please note that you may indicate more than one office location preference.

Legal Assistance of Western New York Inc.® (LawNY, Inc.) is an equal opportunity employer. LawNY, Inc. encourages applications from diverse candidates. LawNY, Inc. welcomes applications regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or any other consideration protected by law.