Job Description

Paralegal / Legal Assistant - Adoption & Assisted-Fertility Practice (Rochester, NY)
TES Staffing is supporting a widely recognized adoption and assisted-fertility lawyer in Rochester. Our client, and this practice is about 90% adoption (domestic, international, surrogacy/gestational carrier, etc.). They are passionate, deeply experienced and known for delivering life-changing results for his clients.
As a small, tightly-knit firm you'll join a relaxed, approachable environment (yes, jeans are welcome every day) that values responsiveness, quality and caring outcomes.\
Position overview:
We're seeking a reliable, organized and enthusiastic Paralegal or Legal Assistant to join the team, supporting one attorney directly. This role is a cover-to-permanent opportunity: you'll start by stepping in for the current paralegal (expected to return), get trained starting ~January, and, if all works well, transition into a long-term career supporting the adoption/assisted-fertility practice.
If you already have strong legal experience; perfect. If you don't but you're comfortable in an office environment and ready to learn; also welcome. This role is high-impact, meaningful and offers you a chance to grow in a niche, specialist legal field.
Key responsibilities:
Support one attorney in all phases of adoption & assisted-fertility cases: document preparation, court filings, client and agency coordination.
Manage email correspondence with courts and clients; calendar deadlines and hearings.
Handle client intake, basic client communications, and maintaining client files.
Draft cover letters, prepare pleadings/petitions, compile exhibits, coordinate with home-study agencies, hospitals, birth parents or prospective adoptive parents.
Keep files organized, track case milestones and support the attorney in achieving efficient, high-quality service delivery.
Who we're looking for:
A self-starter who can jump in and help keep the practice running smoothly while our regular paralegal is out.
Ideally 1-2 years (or more) of legal or paralegal experience; but we're also open to a strong office/administrative candidate who has a willingness to learn legal procedures.
Comfortable in a small team environment: this is a lean operation (2 attorneys + you + office manager + bookkeeper). You'll need to be proactive, adaptable and ready to pitch in.
Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, ability to manage multiple tasks, strong written and verbal communication.
Friendly, approachable manner--since adoption is an emotional, joyful yet sometimes complex journey for our clients.
Commitment to staying long-term; this is not a temp assignment but a career opportunity.
What you'll get:
Real, meaningful work in a rare legal niche helping families grow and thrive.
A supportive, casual atmosphere (no rigid corporate law-firm dress codes or structure).
Hands-on training with an expert attorney; opportunity to grow your knowledge and role.
Job-start ~January to train alongside our current paralegal so you hit the ground running.
Opportunity to be part of a long-term plan--if you excel, you'll stay on permanently.
Compensation
Pay rate: TBD (based on experience). Expecting starting salary is $25/hr

Skills Required