Supervising Paralegal
Supervising Paralegal - NC
Housing | Lockport Office
POSITION SUMMARY
The Niagara County Housing Supervising Paralegal provides comprehensive leadership, quality assurance, and operational oversight to Housing unit paralegals and student interns. This role balances a supportive, people-first management approach with strict adherence to organizational policies, program compliance, and clear performance expectations. The Supervisor ensures delivery of high-quality legal support while maintaining accountability for workflows, deadlines, and grant requirements.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Legal Support & Operational Coordination
• Assist attorneys with handling of eviction defense matters, including but not limited to, conducting intakes, client communication, preparation of case review memoranda, legal research and writing, collection of client documents/evidence, and court coverage.
• Collaborate with front office staff to resolve client issues, including troubleshooting urgent matters in the absence of assigned attorneys.
• Monitor and support compliance with grant deliverables and reporting requirements.
Performance Accountability & Quality Assurance
• Establish, communicate, and enforce clear individual performance standards and daily production targets for paralegals and interns. Track output metrics, including but not limited to intake volume, file completion timelines, and communication responsiveness.
• Monitor and enforce compliance with all organizational policies, administrative procedures, timekeeping protocols, and grant requirements (including LSC/CSR).
• Conduct rigorous audits of open case files, digital intakes, and work product at least annually, with additional periodic reviews, to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and adherence to professional standards.
• Maintain tracking systems and accountability measures to ensure productivity and engagement for both in-office and remote staff.
• Identify, document, and promptly escalate critical issues, including client complaints or potential malpractice concerns, to appropriate leadership.
• Oversee operational workflows, including accurate and timely approval of timecards, leave requests, and ADP entries.
• Coordinate schedules and calendars to ensure adequate court and office coverage and equitable distribution of work.
Human-Centered Leadership, Coaching & Development (Managing the People)
• Provide ongoing supervision, mentorship, and performance management for paralegals and student interns.
• Complete performance evaluations and provide recommendations regarding employee corrective action, performance improvement, and other employment actions consistent with NLS policies.
• Deliver continuous, direct, and constructive feedback and coaching based on observation of daily work, review of work product, performance data, client or staff feedback, and other relevant information, including but not limited to client interactions and intake processes.
• Develop, implement, and maintain structured onboarding and training programs that reinforce organizational culture and compliance expectations.
• Research, develop, and coordinate continuing education and professional development opportunities for paralegals and interns.
• Facilitate regular team meetings to address challenges, establish best practices, and ensure consistent work quality.
• Support staff in managing workload demands while reinforcing accountability for deadlines and deliverables.
• Address interpersonal and operational conflicts promptly, maintaining a respectful, safe, and collaborative workplace.
• Participate in hiring processes, including outreach to paralegal programs and community partners to support recruitment efforts.
• Actively participate in outreach activities and events, and encourage appropriate unit involvement in community engagement efforts.
Equity & Organizational Culture
• Ensure unit practices, priorities, and decision-making align with the organization’s core mission, values, and strategic direction.
• Promote equity-centered practices grounded in anti-racism and cultural humility.
• Foster an inclusive environment that respects diverse backgrounds and experiences while maintaining high performance standards.
Other Duties
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
CORE COMPETENCIES
Results-Oriented Supervision: Ability to lead, motivate, and hold staff accountable to performance metrics, deadlines, and grant requirements.
Operational Execution: Strong organizational skills with the ability to plan work, track performance, and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
Effective Communication: Ability to provide direct, candid feedback while maintaining professionalism and respect.
Collaboration & Leadership: Demonstrated ability to supervise staff and work effectively across teams.
Attention to Detail: Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
Cultural Humility: Commitment to serving diverse, low-income communities with sensitivity and respect.
Compensation & Benefits:
Salary range is $72,000-$93,000 and is based on experience.
Full-time position with a 35-hour work week and reduced summer hours.
NLS offers a comprehensive benefits package to its employees. This includes health, dental, and vision insurance, a generous PTO policy that includes: 3 weeks of vacation time, 12 paid holidays, plus a week of PTO between Christmas and New Year’s, reduced summer hours; additionally, employees have access to sick and personal leave, as well as eligibility for public student loan forgiveness. NLS also provides life insurance, a pension plan, HRA and Flexible Spending Accounts, paid memberships, and professional development.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Minimum of 4 years of paralegal experience (civil legal services or housing/tenant defense preferred), with increasing responsibility or prior supervisory experience.
Proficiency in case management systems (LegalServer preferred) and workforce management tools (ADP).
Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Prolonged periods of sitting and working at a computer.
Ability to attend meetings and court appearances, including offsite travel.
Use of standard office equipment (e.g., computers, scanners, copiers, phones).
Ability to lift up to 15 pounds occasionally.
DISCLAIMER
This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities. Duties may change at any time with or without notice.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Employee __________________________________________ Date _______________
How To Apply:
To apply, please send cover letter, resume, and 3 references to [email protected] Online at
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Neighborhood Legal Services provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
