Supervising Legal Assistant - HCLU *(Internal Posting for LASROC Employees ONLY)*

JOB SUMMARY

The Supervising Legal Assistant supports the Managing Supervising Legal Assistant in overseeing the daily operations of the legal assistant team for the Housing and Consumer Law Program. This position combines supervision, training, and direct advocacy work to ensure high-quality legal and administrative support for attorneys, particularly in landlord-tenant matters. The Supervising Legal Assistant maintains an active caseload, assists with case negotiation, provides technical trial preparation, and ensures efficient team operations while fostering a collaborative work environment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Maintain an appropriate caseload of landlord-tenant clients as an advocate.
• Assist attorneys in Rochester City Court Landlord-Tenant Part with gathering legal information, speaking with clients, and settling cases through negotiations with opposing counsel and landlords.
• Serve as a technical trial assistant to attorneys by cataloging, formatting, and organizing evidence (including electronic evidence) for hearings and adjournments.
• Draft and file legal correspondence and pleadings, including Answers, Motions, and letters, under attorney supervision.
• Research and determine public housing subsidy involvement in cases to support effective referrals to partner organizations.
• Maintain ongoing client contact via telephone and email for case updates and management.
• Manage and update case databases, including recording court appearance outcomes and assisting in identifying outside funding sources for clients.
• Organize and archive case materials for pending landlord-tenant cases, track adjournments, and prepare attorneys for court appearances.
• Conduct intake and identify legal issues for illegal lockout and constructive eviction cases.
• Assist attorneys with legal research, document preparation, and case management.
• Keep current on landlord-tenant law and practice to provide guidance and training to legal assistants.
• Maintain organized, confidential, and accurate case files.

OTHER DUTIES

• Participate in program staff meetings, Legal Aid Society events, and other organizational functions.
• Provide additional administrative and case support to attorneys as needed.
• Represent the Legal Aid Society in a professional and client-centered manner.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by supervisors.

SUPERVISORY DUTIES

• Provide leadership and direction to direct reports, including recruitment, onboarding, training, and performance management.
• Set clear expectations, goals, and priorities for team members and monitor progress toward achieving them.
• Conduct regular one-on-one meetings to provide feedback, support professional development, and address performance issues.
• Delegate tasks and responsibilities effectively, balancing workloads and ensuring optimal utilization of team resources.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive team environment that encourages open communication, idea sharing, and teamwork.
• Mentor and coach team members to enhance skills, knowledge, and career growth.
• Lead by example, demonstrating professionalism, integrity, and commitment to the organization’s values and culture.
• Handle escalated issues or conflicts within the team, providing timely guidance and facilitating resolution.
• Collaborate with other departmental managers and stakeholders to ensure alignment of program initiatives with organizational goals.
• Prepare performance evaluation documentation; conduct reviews and evaluation meetings.
• Review and approve timecards and manage time-off requests.

 

EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• High School Diploma required; Associate degree in Paralegal Studies or related field preferred.
• 5+ years of legal assistant experience, including at least 2 years in a supervisory role.
• Strong knowledge of legal processes, terminology, and landlord-tenant law preferred.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Proficiency with legal software, databases, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to social justice and a passion for serving underprivileged communities.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Extended periods of sitting at a desk or workstation while performing administrative tasks.
• Regular use of computers and other office equipment, requiring manual dexterity and visual concentration.
• Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
• Mobility within the office environment to attend meetings, training sessions, or other events.
• Ability to communicate effectively with associates, supervisors, and external stakeholders in person, over the phone, or via email.
• Office-based environment with standard office equipment and ergonomic furniture.
• Exposure to typical office noises such as phone calls, conversations, and office equipment operation.
• Work will be performed in an in-office environment.
• Occasional travel may be required for attending training sessions, conferences, or other related events.

BENEFITS:

• Hybrid Work schedule
• Paid Lunch Hour
• Employer contributions toward health and dental insurance plans
• Up to:
  • 15 days of vacation to start (More based on experience)
  • 96 hours of sick leave
  • 48 hours of personal time
  • 14 paid holidays a year
  • $600 per year internet stipend
  • 3% match on the 401(k) or Roth 401(k) plan of your choice
  • 5% language differential for being proficient in a program-relevant language
• Professional development opportunities
• Paid Parking
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualifying employer
  

The Legal Aid Society of Rochester, NY provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Salary

• $49,500 - $60,000