Job Description
Below is a New York & New Jersey–specific Lay Representative job description, customized for regulatory and agency-facing work, and explicitly listing the agencies the role may work with. Language is carefully structured to allow client advocacy and speaking on behalf of clients without authorizing the practice of law.
Job Title: Lay Representative
Employer: Mecartea & Associates PLLC
Location: New York and New Jersey
Employment Type: Full-Time / Part-Time
Reports To: Managing Lay Representative
Under the Supervision of: OLIR Compliance Enforcement Lawyer
Position Summary
The Lay Representative serves as a regulated client advocate and liaison supporting legal, compliance, and investigative matters for clients served by Mecartea & Associates PLLC in New York and New Jersey. The position reports to the Managing Lay Representative and operates under the supervision of the OLIR Compliance Enforcement Lawyer.
The Lay Representative may assist with investigations, provide client advocacy, and speak on behalf of clients in authorized administrative, compliance, and agency-related contexts. This role does not permit the practice of law or the provision of legal advice and must strictly follow supervision and authorization protocols.
Key Responsibilities
Client Advocacy & Authorized Representation
Advocate for clients in approved non-legal, administrative, and compliance-related matters
Speak on behalf of clients with government agencies, community organizations, and service providers as authorized
Support clients during interviews, meetings, inspections, or compliance reviews
Ensure client positions, concerns, and documentation are accurately communicated to supervising attorneys
Investigations & Compliance Support
Assist attorneys and compliance staff with investigations and enforcement-related matters
Conduct preliminary fact-finding, interviews, and document collection under supervision
Organize investigative records, timelines, and supporting materials
Identify and escalate compliance risks or regulatory concerns through proper supervisory channels
Client Intake & Case Coordination
Serve as an initial point of contact for prospective and existing clients
Conduct intake interviews and collect preliminary information and documentation
Schedule consultations, interviews, hearings, and follow-up appointments
Provide authorized procedural updates and explanations to clients
Administrative & Interagency Coordination
Prepare correspondence, forms, reports, and internal documentation
Maintain accurate and confidential client files in compliance with firm policy
Coordinate communications between clients, attorneys, and agencies
Maintain strict confidentiality and protect attorney-client privilege
Agencies & Entities the Lay Representative May Work With
Under supervision and client authorization, the Lay Representative may interact with the following agencies and entities, including but not limited to:
Federal Agencies
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR)
U.S. Department of Labor
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
New York State & Local Agencies
New York State Department of Labor
New York City Commission on Human Rights
New York State Division of Human Rights
New York City Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH)
New Jersey State & Local Agencies
New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development
New Jersey Division on Civil Rights
New Jersey Office of Administrative Law
Qualifications
Required
High school diploma or equivalent (college education preferred)
Strong client advocacy, communication, and organizational skills
Demonstrated ability to handle confidential and sensitive information
Ability to follow supervision, authorization, and compliance protocols
Proficiency with office software and case management systems
Preferred
Experience in legal services, investigations, compliance, or regulatory environments
Prior work with government agencies or administrative proceedings
Bilingual or multilingual abilities (strongly preferred)
Work Environment & Schedule
Office-based with potential for limited remote work
May require evenings or occasional weekends
Ability to sit, stand, and manage files and documentation
Legal & Employment Compliance
Successful completion of background checks as required
Compliance with all applicable federal, New York, and New Jersey laws
This role does not authorize the practice of law or the provision of legal advice
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Mecartea & Associates PLLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to lawful, ethical, and inclusive employment practices.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $4,000.00 - $4,683.07 per month
Work Location: Remote
