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Legal Secretary Position Disciplinary Representation Unit ALBANY, New York
Prisoners’ Legal Services of New York (PLS) is seeking applicants for the position of Legal Secretary for its Disciplinary Representation Unit, Albany office.
About PLS
PLS is a non-profit legal services organization providing civil legal services to indigent individuals in New York State correctional facilities in cases where no other counsel is available. Founded in 1976 in response to the Attica uprising, PLS has regional offices in Albany, Buffalo, Ithaca and Newburgh. PLS engages in civil rights advocacy and litigation primarily in cases involving claims of deliberate indifference to serious mental health and medical needs, unconstitutional conditions of confinement, violations of the Americans with Disability Act, disciplinary hearings that result in placement in solitary confinement, child visitation and support, immigration, excessive use of force, and sentence computation issues. PLS has regional offices in Albany, Buffalo, Ithaca, and Newburgh.
Job Description
The Disciplinary Representation Unit is a new unit within PLS. In enacting the HALT Act (Humane Alternatives to Long-Term Solitary Confinement), the NYS Legislature granted incarcerated New Yorkers the right to representation in prison disciplinary hearings. The DRU will be focused on fulfilling this exciting and unmet need for representation. As such, the legal secretary will be responsible for answering phone calls, receiving intakes, collecting information and evidence from clients and family members, and providing administrative support to the unit in file keeping, case handling and other office matters.
The ideal candidate is committed to providing legal support to attorneys who represent disadvantaged populations. Applicants must have a high school degree or GED; strong typing, computer, and software skills; proficiency in Word, Excel, and Adobe; and strong organizational skills with attention to detail and time management. Typical duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Answering phone calls, receiving intakes, and speaking with individuals requesting services on behalf of their incarcerated loved ones;
Opening mail and processing intake including case management system data entry;
Creating and organizing hard copy paper and electronic files;
Scheduling and calendaring of deadlines;
Composing correspondence of a routine nature for attorneys and legal professionals;
Establishing and maintaining record keeping and filing systems for the office;
Preparing disbursements, billing, expense vouchers and maintaining financial expense records;
Sending and following up with prison staff on legal calls, representation and record requests;
General office administration;
Working cooperatively with clients, peers and supervisors; and
Working with clients or family members directly to gather information and evidence.
Qualifications
Strong typing, computer, and software skills;
Proficiency in Word, Excel, and Adobe;
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail and time management;
Ability to provide administrative support to one or more lawyers and legal professionals and collaborate with other colleagues;
Ability to effectively communicate with and between clients, colleagues and partners;
Ability to review intake correspondence and phone messages, enter initial case information, and summarize client issues in writing;
Minimum high school degree or GED;
Associate or bachelor’s degree preferred;
Experience working in New York law offices, legal services organizations, or other work environments that directly handle and protect private client information preferred;
Fluency in Spanish is preferred; and
A commitment to, and passion for, serving vulnerable New Yorkers of diverse backgrounds.
Salary and Benefits
PLSNY is a unionized workplace, and salaries are set pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement. SALARY TRANSPARENCY: The anticipated annual salary range for this position is $41,776- $58,376. Specific salary offers will be dependent on candidate qualifications, including collectively bargained salary steps for unionized roles.
PLS also offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, and a 401(k)-retirement plan.
PLS’s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of sex, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship, pregnancy or veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.
Formerly incarcerated people are encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
Please submit your cover letter, resume, writing sample, and at least three (3) references by email to Melissa Dunn at [email protected]. Include “PLS Disciplinary Representation Legal Secretary” in the subject line. No phone calls please.
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Title: Counsel, Real Estate
Company: Flow
Location: New York, NY
