Erie County Bar Foundation

ANNOUNCEMENT NO. 54608 (Extended)

The Appellate Division, Fourth Judicial Department is recruiting for three (3) positions in the Attorney Series. These positions may be filled at one of the following titles, depending in part on the qualifications of the selected candidates.

Applicants should specify the position title(s) for which they wish to be considered. Only one application per candidate is required.

POSITION TITLE: Associate Attorney (JG-28)
Base Salary: $110,853

Qualifications:
Admission to the New York State Bar and two (2) years of service in the Senior Attorney title; or equivalent legal experience.

Distinguishing Features of Work:
Associate Attorneys serve in a confidential capacity and research legal questions and issues, organize complex investigations, prepare and present complex cases before administrative tribunals and trial and appellate courts, and perform other related duties. They provide legal research and advocacy services in Mental Hygiene Legal Services, attorney disciplinary committees, 18B panel administration, or similar units. They may also oversee a departmental law guardian program.

POSITION TITLE: Senior Attorney (JG-26)
Base Salary: $99,490

Qualifications:
Admission to the New York State Bar and two (2) years of service in the Attorney title; or equivalent legal experience.

Distinguishing Features of Work:
With substantial independence, Senior Attorneys serve in a confidential capacity and research legal questions and issues, organize investigations, prepare and present cases before administrative tribunals and courts, and perform other related duties. They provide legal research and advocacy services in Mental Hygiene Legal Services, attorney disciplinary committees, 18B panel administration, or similar units. They may also oversee a departmental law guardian program.

POSITION TITLE: Attorney (JG-23)
Base Salary: $84,659

Qualifications:
Admission to the New York State Bar; or graduation from an accredited law school with admission to the New York State Bar within 18 months of appointment.

Distinguishing Features of Work:
Under direct supervision, Attorneys serve in a confidential capacity and research legal questions and issues, prepare cases for administrative proceedings and litigation in the courts, and perform other related duties. They provide legal research and advocacy services in Mental Hygiene Legal Services, attorney disciplinary committees, 18B panel administration, or similar units.

Location:
Appellate Division, Fourth Department
Mental Hygiene Legal Service – Utica, NY

Classification: Non-Competitive / Confidential

Assignment:
This position provides representation for individuals who are mentally ill, developmentally disabled, or incarcerated and facing civil commitment. Duties include, but are not limited to: presenting cases before administrative tribunals and courts; researching and analyzing legal issues; preparing confidential reports, memoranda, legal papers, and briefs; interviewing litigants, witnesses, and other involved parties; and drafting correspondence related to case inquiries.

Extensive travel is required, and candidates must be able to travel without reliance on public transportation.

General Information:
The statements above describe the general nature and level of work performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties. The appointee may be reassigned as needed within the Unified Court System. Applications received may be used to fill vacancies in this title within the same court or agency for up to six (6) months.

Positions currently available: 3

Application Procedures:
All qualified applicants are encouraged to submit a UCS-5 Application for Employment form (available at http://www.nycourts.gov/careers/UCS5.pdf), along with a cover letter, resume, and writing sample.

Submit by email to: Cherri A. Todisco at [email protected]

Or by mail to:
Cherri A. Todisco
Human Resources
Appellate Division, Fourth Department
M. Dolores Courthouse
50 East Avenue, Suite 200
Rochester, NY 14604

Applicants are encouraged to complete the Equal Employment Opportunity Data Collection Form.

Posting Date: March 5, 2026
Application Deadline: April 23, 2026 (must be postmarked or received by this date)

The New York State Unified Court System is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender (including pregnancy and gender identity or expression), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, membership in an employee organization, parental status, military service, or any other non-merit factor.