Position Available: Paralegal - Tenant Defense Hotline
Job classification: Full-time, hourly
Reports to: Tenant Defense Program Staff Attorney
Post date: July 8, 2026
Start date: As soon as the position is filled
Salary range: Hourly rate equivalent to annualized salary of $52,375-82,375 based on years of relevant experience.
JustCause uses a pay scale based on years of experience, education, and language ability. The base hourly rate for years of experience ranges from $52,375 to $82,375, with additional compensation available for those who qualify.
Organization Overview:
JustCause was first established in 1981 under the name “Volunteer Legal Services Project of Monroe County, Inc. (VLSP)” to provide pro bono legal assistance to people who cannot afford an attorney when facing serious civil legal problems. Since its inception, the mission of the organization has been to improve the quality of life of individuals living in low-income households in Monroe County by providing pro bono attorneys to assist with serious civil matters affecting the essentials of life.
JustCause is co-located at the Telesca Center for Justice in downtown Rochester, along with partner agencies, the Legal Aid Society of Rochester, Legal Assistance of Western New York, and Empire Justice Center. While the three other legal services organizations provide direct services to clients (utilizing primarily their own staff), JustCause’s programs leverage a pro bono panel of more than 1,300 volunteers to provide pro bono legal services to those who need it most in our community. JustCause services benefit over 20,000 people a year with a wide range of legal issues impacting their family’s health, safety, and well-being. JustCause legal program areas include Immigration, Family Law, Housing, Wills, Bankruptcy, Consumer Law, and other civil (non-criminal) legal issues.
Job Summary
JustCause operates the Tenant Defense Program hotline to assist callers in Monroe County who are facing eviction. Under the direction of JustCause’s Staff Attorneys, the Paralegal will answer calls and provide assistance to callers facing eviction.
In addition, the Paralegal will assist attorneys and other staff with conducting intake interviews with prospective clients; obtaining and verifying income and asset information; and following up with clients as directed by attorneys. As needed, this position assists with JustCause on- and off-site evening clinics in town courts.
Duties include conducting intake interviews with potential clients; obtaining and verifying income and asset information; and following up with clients via telephone, email, or text. As needed, this position assists with JustCause clinics at our offices and other community locations, preparation of educational programs and presentations, training other paralegal volunteers, and supervising interns. In addition, there will be opportunities to support community-related legal and social justice committees, working groups, and events.
The Paralegal will also have the opportunity to cross-train in other legal departments, and will provide support to clients in family law, immigration, housing, consumer, and other legal matters.
Responsibilities
● Answer hotline telephone calls
● Screen and interview callers for eligibility for services at JustCause
● Provide legal information and referrals to individuals applying for services
● Gather necessary documents and information from individuals seeking legal assistance
● Track the status of cases and referrals
● Timely report data and time in case management system
● Provide Paralegal support to Staff Attorneys in Tenant Defense Program
● Respond to inquiries from clients and volunteers
● Participate in positive and effective collaborative relationships with partner agencies
● Participate in community outreach and community-related and social justice committees,
working groups, and other events as needed
● Assist in the administration of grants and grant reporting as requested
Required Qualifications
● Ability to analyze and triage legal inquiries quickly, effectively, and respectfully
● Active listening skills to effectively, compassionately, and confidently interview clients from diverse backgrounds who may be in crisis or have endured various forms of trauma
● Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to maintain an effective relationship with the courts, the private bar, bar associations, and community organizations
● Ability to work independently and be self-directed
● Sound and compassionate judgment while serving clients from diverse backgrounds and
experiences who may be in crisis or have endured various forms of trauma
● Writing skills sufficient to draft clear and thorough legal memos and correspondence as per unit requirements
● Meticulous attention to detail necessary to document client interactions and maintain up-to- date files in the case management system
● Consistent, timely, and accurate record-keeping and reporting of all work time
● Ability to work cooperatively with fellow staff, supervisors, interns, and pro bono volunteers
● A strong commitment to justice, equity, and community wellness. Demonstrated interest inserving diverse or low-income populations
● Database and records/case management skills and ability to maintain confidentiality of records and information
● Highly organized, detail-oriented, and committed to working in a client-focused and collegial environment
● Commitment to continuous process improvement and comfortable with change Preferred Qualifications
● A general understanding of basic legal principles; and preferably, experience in landlord/tenant or another relevant area of law
● Sufficient working legal knowledge to successfully issue-spot when interviewing clients
● Experience providing client service to lower-income, historically underserved, and trauma- exposed individuals
● Two (2) years experience in a legal organization
● Bachelor’s degree
● Proficiency in another language other than English
● Certificate of completion from an approved paralegal program Salary depends upon prior relevant experience. Excellent benefits including, but not limited to
● Generous paid holidays, vacation, and leave time
● Choice of high deductible or copay health insurance plan; JustCause pays 100% of the
employee’s premium
● JustCause contribution of 3% of salary to 403(b) retirement plan, plus an additional match of the employee’s contribution up to 3%
● Parking reimbursement
● Short- and long-term disability insurance and New York Paid Family Leave
● Ability to work from home, depending on organizational needs
JustCause maintains a collaborative, collegial, flexible, and hybrid workspace and environment, allowing employees to work from the office or remotely depending on organizational needs, and as needed to attend in-person meetings and events. JustCause takes all actions needed to ensure the safety of staff and clients.
JustCause does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, height, weight, age or marital status and is an equal access/equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume explaining your interest and qualifications to [email protected]. Please include the job title in the subject line.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $52,375.00 - $82,375.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Rochester, NY 14614
