Bankruptcy Law Intern

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Legal Assistance of Western New York is seeking a Law Student Intern to support clients in financially vulnerable situations. The intern will work closely with experienced attorneys and assist in providing legal support and information to individuals who are low-income and are navigating bankruptcy proceedings. This is a remote position but it is preferred if the intern lives within our service area of Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Chemung, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Tioga, Tompkins, Wayne and Yates County.

QUALIFICATIONS These are the basic requirements for the position.

• Currently enrolled in Law School


• Secure internet access

Key Responsibilities:

• Case Screening: Review and screen 50 hotline cases related to bankruptcy. Provide legal information and guidance as appropriate, ensuring that each case is assessed thoroughly and efficiently.


• Full-Scope Bankruptcy Cases: Take on 6 full-scope bankruptcy cases, assisting in the preparation and filing of necessary documentation. This includes drafting legal briefs, motions, and other relevant court documents.


• Legal Research: Conduct legal research as needed to support casework and ensure compliance with current bankruptcy laws and regulations.


• Client Interaction: Communicate with clients to gather necessary information, answer questions, and provide updates on their cases.


• Documentation & Reporting: Maintain accurate records of case progress and document all relevant information for reporting purposes.

COMPENSATION PACKAGE

Stipend of $8,500

ORGANIZATION INFORMATION

Legal Assistance of Western New York, Inc. (LawNY®) is a not-for-profit law firm that provides free civil legal services to low-income clients in a 14 county area of Western New York, the Finger Lakes, and the Southern Tier. LawNY® has seven fully staffed field offices in Bath, Elmira, Geneva, Ithaca, Jamestown, Olean and Rochester, satellite offices in Lakeville and Lyons, and a business office in Rochester.

LawNY® has been providing high quality legal representation for 54 years, and today has over 180 employees, including attorneys, paralegals, and a legal support team who work closely across areas of specialization to bring a holistic approach to addressing legal issues affecting our clients and community.

LawNY® is committed to equitable inclusion across race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ability, sex, religion, economic circumstances, ethnicity, national origin, and culture. We are increasingly committed to creating a law firm where race equity, diversity and cultural competency are integral components of our work, from client advocacy to internal operations.

Research shows that women and people from under-represented groups often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the desired competencies. We encourage you to apply even if you do not believe you meet all the desired competencies.

Legal Assistance of Western New York, Inc. (LawNY®) is an equal opportunity employer. LawNY® strongly encourages applications from Black, Indigenous and People of Color, women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, and persons from other underrepresented groups whose background may contribute to working in and sustaining an environment that enables staff and clients to feel empowered, valued, respected, and safe. LawNY® welcomes applications regardless of race, color, religion, veteran status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other consideration protected by law. 

APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply, submit your cover letter, resume, and three professional references through LawNY®’s BambooHR platform found here. You may also submit a writing sample but it is not required. 

To promote social justice and achieve our mission, LawNY® is committed to maintaining a diverse staff and creating an inclusive and respectful workplace. In your cover letter, please also include an explanation of how you think that your lived and/or professional experience or background has prepared you to contribute to support a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion at LawNY®.

Questions or Accommodations? Contact Michelle Grillone at [email protected]