Legal Secretary

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.

The Legal Secretary 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 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 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 greet visitors, 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;

• A second language commonly spoken in the community is preferred; and

• A commitment to, and passion for, serving vulnerable New Yorkers of diverse backgrounds.

Salary and Benefits

PLSNY offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental and 401k pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement.

SALARY TRANSPARENCY: The anticipated annual salary range for this position is $40,957 - $57,805. Specific salary offers will be dependent on candidate qualifications, including collectively bargained salary steps for unionized roles.

PLS’ 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 send a cover letter, resume and at least three (3) references by email to: mdunn@plsny.org. Only applications submitted with a cover letter will be considered.

Due to the volume of applications expected, only people who are contacted for interviews will receive a response.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Legal Secretary to join our team. We offer competitive compensation, a supportive work environment, and opportunities for professional growth. If you have the required experience and skills, we would love to hear from you.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $40,957.00 - $57,805.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Opportunities for advancement
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Travel requirement:

• No travel

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person

Salary : $40,957 - $57,805