Paralegals and Legal Assistants

The Paralegal will work with complainants and other parties to obtain detailed factual information, evaluate relevant information, and prepare clear, legally structured documentation. Ability to effectively manage multiple cases, prioritize competing assignments, maintain accurate documentation, and meet strict legal deadlines.

Paralegal – Civil Rights & Discrimination
Agency: New York State Division of Human Rights
Work Arrangement:100% Remote
Employment Type: Temporary/Contract
Number of Positions:3
Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Assignment: November 9, 2026-November 8, 2028
Pay Rate:$38.00/hour W-2
 
Position Overview
The New York State Division of Human Rights is seeking experienced Paralegals to support its work involving civil rights and discrimination matters.

This fully remote position is well suited for a legal professional with strong investigative interviewing, legal writing, analytical, and case-management skills. The Paralegal will work with complainants and other parties to obtain detailed factual information, evaluate relevant information, and prepare clear, legally structured documentation.

Candidates should be comfortable communicating with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including people who may be experiencing difficult or sensitive circumstances.
Key Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed interviews with complainants, clients, witnesses, and other relevant parties.
• Gather, organize, and analyze facts related to potential discrimination claims.
• Prepare administrative complaints, factual summaries, correspondence, and other legal documentation.
• Synthesize complex factual narratives into clear and concise written materials.
• Identify relevant legal issues and factual elements associated with discrimination claims.
• Review and organize case-related documentation and supporting materials.
• Maintain accurate and organized electronic case records.
• Manage multiple cases and assignments simultaneously.
• Monitor and meet strict administrative and legal deadlines.
• Communicate professionally and empathetically with individuals from diverse or vulnerable populations.
• Utilize legal practice management and document management systems.
• Perform related paralegal and legal-support responsibilities as assigned.

Required Education
Candidates must meet one of the following:

• Associate degree in Paralegal Studies, Criminal Justice, or a related field
• Bachelor's degree in Paralegal Studies, Criminal Justice, or a related field
• Paralegal Certificate from an ABA-approved program
• 2 to 4 years of experience working as a paralegal or legal assistant.
• Demonstrated experience conducting complainant, client, or witness interviews.
• Experience interviewing people from diverse or vulnerable populations is strongly desired.
• Demonstrated experience drafting:
  • Legal documents
  • Administrative complaints
  • Detailed factual summaries
• Strong legal research, analytical, organizational, and writing abilities.

Preferred Legal Knowledge
Familiarity with civil rights and anti-discrimination statutes, including:

• New York State Human Rights Law
• Title VII of the Civil Rights Act
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)
• Fair Housing Act

Key Skills & Competencies Active Listening & Empathy
Ability to establish rapport, listen carefully, and obtain detailed factual information from individuals who may be experiencing distress or sensitive circumstances.
Exceptional Legal Writing
Ability to transform interviews, documents, and complex factual narratives into clear, concise, organized, and legally structured complaints and summaries.
Analytical Thinking
Strong critical-thinking ability with the capacity to identify relevant facts, legal issues, inconsistencies, and potential elements of proof associated with discrimination claims.
Organization & Time Management
Ability to effectively manage multiple cases, prioritize competing assignments, maintain accurate documentation, and meet strict legal deadlines.
Technology
Proficiency with:

• Legal practice management software
• Document management systems
• Electronic case files
• Remote collaboration tools

Remote Work Requirements
This position is fully remote. Selected candidates must:

• Have reliable high-speed internet connectivity appropriate for full-time remote work.
• Travel to an Albany, NY location before the start date to retrieve a state-issued laptop.
• Maintain an appropriate professional remote-work environment.