Staff Attorney (HOPP)

POSITION TITLE: Staff Attorney
PRACTICE AREA/DEPARTMENT: Homeowner Protection Program (HOPP)
OFFICE LOCATION: Utica, Binghamton, Oneonta, Watertown
SALARY RANGE: $70,000 - $100,540 (DOE)
SUPERVISOR: Managing Attorney
POSTING DATE: March 1, 2024

The Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York (LASMNY), Inc. is actively seeking a dynamic full-time Staff Attorney to provide legal assistance to eligible clients facing foreclosure of their home under the Home Ownership Protection Program (HOPP). The HOPP Staff Attorney will provide direct and comprehensive legal services to eligible clients, which will include advice, negotiation, motion practice, and litigation. The position can be based in either our Watertown, Binghamton, Oneonta or Utica offices and reports to the Managing Attorney.

Essential Job Functions

• Effectively and efficiently communicate with clients/applicants for services over the phone or in person.
• Interview clients competently and objectively.
• Deliver quality legal services by providing legal advice and representation in civil cases to eligible individuals.
• Prepare and file briefs, motions and other necessary judicial pleadings.
• Independently manage a caseload, including fully litigating assigned cases, when appropriate.
• Accurately and timely record billable time and case notes in our case management system.
• Work professionally and collaboratively with colleagues, judges, opposing counsel, court personnel, community members, etc.
• Show commitment to professional growth in diverse areas of law.
• Keep up with knowledge of legal developments including completion of Continuing Legal Education (CLE) courses.
• Engage in outreach and education efforts to reach community members, advocates and service providers.
• Attend and participate in meetings and trainings as requested.
• Regular and predictable attendance.
• Comply with all Legal Services Corporation (LSC) and LASMNY policies, procedures and grant based reporting requirements.
• Perform responsibilities and duties based upon department needs and requirements as assigned by the supervisor.

Job Qualifications

• Law degree from an accredited law school.
• New York State (NYS) Bar admission.
• Prior legal services, trial and litigation experience preferred.
• Demonstrated commitment to serving indigent community members.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office or related software and computerized legal research.
• Excellent written and verbal advocacy, legal research, problem solving and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently, efficiently and collaboratively with individuals both within and outside LASMNY.
• A commitment to professional growth, excellent organizational, problem solving and interpersonal skills, enthusiasm for direct client services and commitment to social justice required.
• Bilingual or multilingual a plus.
• Travel is required.
• Other qualifying factors include: the nature and extent of prior legal experience, knowledge and understanding of the legal problems and needs of low-income individuals. Prior experience in the client community or in other programs to aid the low-income individuals, ability to communicate effectively and responsibly with persons in the client community and cultural similarity with the client community.

Salary
The salary range for this position is $70,000 - $100,540, depending on experience (DOE).

LASMNY offers a generous benefit package. Most benefits available as of date of hire. Medical, Vision, Dental, Basic/Voluntary Life Insurance, Health Savings Account, Flexible Savings Accounts, 403(b), SEP/IRA, Mileage Reimbursement, Training, CLE Registration Fees, Attorney Registration Fee, Local & NYS Bar Dues, Vacation, Sick, Personal, Parental Leave, Bereavement Leave, Jury Duty, Bar Exam Leave, EAP, Moving Expenses, Parking, Loan Repayment, Relocation Assistance and (14) Holidays.

APPLICATION PROCESS
We encourage interested, qualified candidates to apply for this position by sending a cover letter, resume, and three (3) professional references to jobs@lasmny.org

Equal Opportunity Employer | Affirmative Action Employer

Fighting for Equal Justice For All | Diversity.Equity.Inclusion

Visit us at www.lasmny.org