Legal Intern (Legal Aide)

The incumbent will report to the Associate Deputy Commissioner of Intake. The Intake unit receives and evaluates information from the public about alleged discrimination as defined in the Human Rights Law in areas that include, but are not limited to, employment, housing, and public accommodation based on protected characteristics that include, but are not limited to, age, disability, gender identity, national origin, race, religion, and sex.

The legal intern will assist with activities in the Intake Unit, and help to ensure the Division timely serves clear, complete, jurisdiction discrimination complaints. Legal interns will assist Intake Unit staff to:

• Review submitted reports for jurisdiction, clarity and completeness.
• Contact Complainants timely to clarify the reported information .
• Facilitate the timely receipt of evidence to support the alleged discrimination.
• Draft clear, concise complaints for the Complainant’s review and signature ,
• Ensure incomplete, unclear, and/or non-jurisdictional matters do not advance to investigation,
• Answer calls and respond to emails from parties to a discrimination case, professionally, and accurately.
• Record all Intake activities accurately and contemporaneously in the Division’s case management system.
• Perform other relevant Intake duties, as directed.

Legal Interns will receive on-the-job and classroom training as needed, to develop and maintain knowledge of the NYS Human Rights Law, other anti-discrimination laws, and Division/Intake policies and procedures. Legal Interns may be asked to assist with issues that require legal knowledge, including, but not limited to, more complex cases of alleged discrimination. Legal Interns may be asked to assist with the evaluation of recommendations from Legal Assistants to dismiss allegations that are duplicative, non-jurisdictional, or have not been properly clarified, and confer with Intake management for final decisions for dismissal.

Minimum Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an accredited law school, with a demonstrated interest in civil rights, employment law, or public interest law.
• Strong research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Familiarity with New York State Human Rights Law and anti-discrimination statutes is a plus but not required.
• Commitment to public service and social justice.