POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT:
AMERICORPS MEMBERS – LEGAL ASSISTANTS - RECOVERY ACCESS TO JUSTICE PROJECT

Project Description:

    The Rochester division of Legal Assistance of Western New York, Inc. (LawNY) has up to four AmeriCorps positions available at its office located in Rochester, New York. LawNY is a not-for-profit law firm which provides civil legal services to low-income clients in a fourteen-county region in western New York State. The Rochester division serves Monroe county residents and provides representation primarily in the areas of housing, public benefits, family, health, education and elder law. LawNY has six other offices located in Bath, Elmira, Geneva, Ithaca, Jamestown, and Olean, New York.

    AmeriCorps members will work as legal assistants, and will be offered the opportunity for direct, substantive legal experience, excellent training and mentoring, and a chance to make a critical difference in the lives of poor people and their communities. They will team with dedicated professionals, including other AmeriCorps members, in an established poverty law program.

Member Benefits:

AmeriCorps members receive a living allowance of $14,000 annually, an educational award of $5,350, basic health insurance, child care expenses, suspension of loan repayments and other benefits. A full one-year commitment is required, and the term of service must start between September 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010. Upon successful completion of the first year, members can renew their term for a second year, with a second year living allowance of $16,000.


Member Responsibilities:

AmeriCorps Legal Assistants are an essential part of the office and spend the majority of their time providing screening and intake for poor persons seeking civil legal assistance. In addition, under supervision of LawNY attorneys, AmeriCorps Legal Assistants may be given the opportunity to provide comprehensive ongoing legal services to eligible clients in priority areas in accordance with project guidelines. For a complete list of job duties please contact the address below.

Member Qualifications:

    Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree or at least two years of college and equivalent experience working with low-income or disadvantaged populations. Prior experience working with the poor or disadvantaged is preferred.  Members should have a personal commitment to combating poverty and racism and its effects in our communities and to maintaining high standards of professional performance.


Application Procedure:

    All applications received by July 15, 2010 will be considered, and applications will be accepted beyond that date until the positions are filled. Applicants should mail or email a letter of interest, a resume, and three references to:

    Brenda Rivera, Office Administrator
    Legal Assistance of Western New York, Inc.
    1 West Main Street, Suite 400
    Rochester, New York 14614
    This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Legal Assistance of Western New York, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Minorities, women and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.