AFSCME New York Council 66

Paralegal

Based in Rochester, NY

 

About Council 66:
Council 66 is part of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). We represent 10,000 members, mostly public-sector employees, from over 84 different locals across the state of New York. Our members work hard to improve their communities, and we work hard to get them the pay, benefits, and working conditions that they deserve. For more information about the Council, visit our website at www.afscmecouncil66.org⁠. 

AFSCME NY Council 66 is seeking to hire a dynamic and outgoing individual to serve as a Paralegal in the City of Rochester. The person who takes on this new position will join our passionate team that fights every day to make a difference in the lives of working people. This is also an opportunity to learn all phases of Labor Relations including, but not limited to, grievance processes, contract negotiations, mediation, and arbitration. The paralegal will also collaborate with Local Presidents and union officers, providing support and guidance as needed to advance the interests and overall well-being of their respective memberships.

This position is a full-time, hybrid position. 

Key responsibilities:
The Paralegal will work directly with the Council 66 attorney from Syracuse, as well as providing support for Council 66 Labor Relations Specialists. Additionally, the paralegal will perform administrative and clerical duties at the Rochester office. 

Duties and responsibilities:

• Typing letters, contract proposals, tentative agreements, Memorandum of Agreements (MOAs), Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs), Settlement Agreements, contracts, arbitration demands, reports and briefs.
• Attends to basic administrative tasks, such as photocopying, faxing/scanning, answering telephones, processing mail, forwarding invoices, filing and managing membership cards.
• Preparing affidavits, legal correspondences, subpoenas and other documents as needed.
• Meeting with attorneys and labor relations specialists.
• Initial filing of Improper Practice Charges, arbitrations, and other court proceedings.
• Helping prepare for hearings and arbitrations by organizing exhibits and assisting with other tasks as needed.
• Preparing briefs, contracts, opening and closing statements, questions for witnesses, pleadings, appeals, and other legal documents.
• Initiate Freedom of Information Act (FOIL) requests and filing of Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) requests & New York State Taylor Law requests.
• Research Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) cases and Arbitration decisions.
• Investigating facts, case law and searching public records and other resources to prepare cases and determine causes of action. Performs legal research on applicable regulations, laws, and legal scholarships.
• Gathering and analyzing statutes, decisions, legal articles, codes, documents and other data.
• Calling on witnesses to testify at hearings.
• Drafts formal legal documents, such as contracts and pleadings, as well as correspondence with clients and other parties.
• Assists during hearings by taking notes, preparing exhibits, and reading court transcripts.
• Files documents, such as briefs and appeals, with court and other parties.
• Communicates with Labor Relations Specialists and Attorneys to investigate the case and keep them apprised of the status of the case.
• Reports directly to the Council 66 President or his/her designee.

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and ability to travel across Upstate New York is essential.
• Certificate of completion from an ABA-approved paralegal certification program of education and training, or an associate’s degree in paralegal studies, or an associate’s degree in a related field.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office, specifically Outlook, Word, and Excel. Familiarity with EchoSign and LexisNexis and Adobe.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Must be team oriented.
• Must be able to effectively prioritize tasks, manage time sensitive documents and have exceptional organizational skills in a fast-paced environment and maintain confidentiality.
• Must be willing to travel as needed.
• Clerical support experience.
• Notary preferred.
• Experience in public sector is preferred but not required.

Application instructions:
Please send your résumé, cover letter, and references to dfasso@afscmecouncil66.org by June 1, 2026. 

Work ethic and a willingness and ability to learn may lead to further advancement in positions at AFSCME Council 66 as they become available.

The Paralegal position is a full-time, hybrid position and requires 40 hours of employment per week.

Pay & Benefits: 
The starting base salary is $54,200. In addition, a weekly gas stipend and excellent benefits are provided which include paid time off, health, dental and vision coverage, a deferred compensation plan, ability to opt into a pension plan, life insurance, and cell phone expense coverage. This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement.