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Home Based Paralegal Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Associate

Rochester, NY · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Counsel clients on Medicaid eligibility for nursing home and community-based long-term care ... paralegals on submission of required documentation to county DSS offices * Represent clients in ...

Home Based Paralegal information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$33.1K

$70.4K

$107.1K

How much do home based paralegal jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for home based paralegal in Rochester, NY is $70,425.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,800.00 and $88,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a home based paralegal do?

Home-based paralegals assist licensed attorneys with different aspects of legal cases. Specific job duties vary, depending on the law firm and case you are working on, but general responsibilities may include researching cases similar to the active one you are working on to find legal precedent, interviewing clients and other people related to the case, creating the first draft of legal documents within court deadlines, and preparing retainers and other paperwork. Depending on your location, your employer may also ask you to attend client meetings or courtroom hearings. A home-based paralegal works remotely and communicates with the in-office team by email and phone.

What is a home based paralegal?

A home based paralegal is a legal professional who provides paralegal services remotely from their own home, rather than working in a traditional law office. They assist attorneys with legal research, document preparation, case management, and other administrative tasks. Home based paralegals often work as independent contractors or freelancers and may serve law firms, corporate legal departments, or private clients. This arrangement offers flexibility and can be cost-effective for both the paralegal and their clients.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a home based paralegal, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Home Based Paralegal, you need a solid understanding of legal terminology, research, and document preparation, typically supported by a paralegal certificate or relevant degree. Familiarity with legal research databases, case management software, and secure file-sharing platforms is crucial for remote work. Exceptional organization, time management, and written communication skills help you efficiently handle assignments and build trust with supervising attorneys. These competencies are vital for delivering accurate, timely legal support and maintaining productivity outside a traditional office environment.

How do home based paralegals effectively communicate and collaborate with attorneys and clients while working remotely?

Home based paralegals typically use a combination of secure email, cloud-based document management systems, and video conferencing tools to stay connected with attorneys and clients. Regular virtual check-ins and project management platforms help ensure tasks are completed on time and that everyone is updated on case developments. Establishing clear communication protocols and maintaining responsiveness are essential for building trust and facilitating seamless collaboration in a remote setting.

What is the difference between Home Based Paralegal vs In-House Paralegal?

AspectHome Based ParalegalIn-House Paralegal
Work EnvironmentRemote, working from homeOffice-based, within a law firm or corporate legal department
CredentialsParalegal certification or degree, legal research skillsParalegal certification or degree, legal research skills
Employer & Industry UsageLegal service providers, freelance work, law firmsLaw firms, corporate legal departments
Work FocusLegal research, document preparation, client communication remotelyLegal support, document management, client interaction onsite

In summary, a Home Based Paralegal works remotely, often providing flexible legal support, while an In-House Paralegal works within a law firm or corporate office environment. Both roles require similar credentials but differ mainly in work setting and daily responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Paralegal jobs in Rochester, NY? The most popular types of Paralegal jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What are popular job titles related to Home Based Paralegal jobs in Rochester, NY? For Home Based Paralegal jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Home Based Paralegal jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Home Based Paralegal jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Home Based Paralegal jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Home Based Paralegal job openings:

Associate

Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP

Rochester, NY • On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Department: Trust & Estates

Location: Rochester

Classification: Exempt

Company Overview:

Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP is a leading and reputable full-service law firm dedicated to providing exceptional legal services to our clients. With a team of highly skilled and experienced attorneys, we strive to deliver comprehensive and effective solutions to meet the diverse needs of our clients. Headquarters are located in Rochester, NY, with additional offices in Albany and Buffalo, NY.


We foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment where every team member is valued and respected. We encourage open communication, teamwork, and professional growth. Our firm promotes a healthy work-life balance and supports the well-being of our employees.


Summary:

We are looking for a motivated Elder Law Attorney to join our growing team. This position is responsible for counseling clients on long term care planning, Medicaid eligibility, asset protection, and estate planning. The ideal candidate has a strong work ethic, exceptional client communication skills, and is comfortable working in a fast-paced environment where matters are often time-sensitive and emotionally charged.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Counsel clients on Medicaid eligibility for nursing home and community-based long-term care, including New York's five-year lookback rules and asset protection strategies
  • Draft and review estate planning documents including Wills, Powers of Attorney, Health Care Proxies, and various Trust Agreements
  • Prepare Medicaid gift and note plans, asset summaries, and flowcharts
  • Assist with Medicaid applications and coordinate with experienced Medicaid paralegals on submission of required documentation to county DSS offices
  • Represent clients in administrative hearings and court appeals involving wrongfully denied benefits or Medicaid estate recovery claims
  • Advise on supplemental needs trusts and special needs planning for individuals with disabilities
  • Advise on guardianships, spousal impoverishment protections, pooled income trusts, and community spouse resource allowances
  • Coordinate with clients, financial advisors, accountants, and skilled nursing facilities to ensure planning is compliant with federal and state Medicaid law
  • Provide professional, efficient, and compassionate client service in person, by telephone, and in writing
  • Stay current on developments in New York Medicaid law and policy through continuing legal education and participation in organizations such as NAELA and the NYSBA Elder Law and Special Needs Section
  • Perform other duties as needed upon request by department chair or firm management


Required Education and Experience:

  • J.D. from an accredited law school
  • Admission to the New York State Bar required
  • 5+ years of elder law, estate planning, or related experience preferred
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite: Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
  • Familiarity with New York Medicaid rules, DSS application procedures, and long-term care planning strategies preferred
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain complex legal concepts clearly to clients and families
  • Ability to prioritize workload and independently manage multiple matters simultaneously
  • Must maintain professional relationships with attorneys, staff, clients, and outside agencies and observe strict confidentiality of all client and firm matters
  • NAELA membership or demonstrated interest in elder law policy a plus


Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands/fingers to type, hold, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
  • Regularly required to talk or hear.
  • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
  • The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds.

Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this role. It provides a snapshot of the core functions and responsibilities. All inquiries will be handled with the utmost confidentiality. The compensation range for this position is $120,000-160,000 annually, representing our good faith and reasonable estimate of the potential compensation at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be determined based on numerous factors, including the candidate's qualifications, experience, skill set, and office location. Additionally, relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates.


Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value an open mind, dedication to work, and a collaborative spirit. We hire based on these qualities, a job’s requirements, our business needs, and an applicant’s qualifications. We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind—in the hiring process or in the workplace. We comply with the ADA and consider reasonable accommodation measures that may be necessary for eligible applicants/employees to perform essential functions. We participate in E-Verify. We will provide the federal government with employees’ Form I-9 information to confirm authorization to work in the U.S. We will only use E-Verify once an employee has accepted a job offer and completed Form I-9.