Staff Attorney (Eviction Defense Program)

POSITION TITLE: Staff Attorney
PRACTICE AREA/DEPARTMENT: Eviction Defense Program
OFFICE LOCATION(S): Utica, Syracuse, Oswego, Binghamton, Oneonta, Watertown
SALARY RANGE: $70,000 - $100,540 (DOE)
SUPERVISOR: Christina Reilly, Esq., Managing Attorney
POSTING DATE: February 28, 2024

LASMNY is actively seeking several dynamic full-time Staff Attorneys for our Eviction Defense Program. The Eviction Defense Program Staff Attorney provides legal assistance for LASMNY’s housing preservation program. Employment opportunities are available immediately in the office of your choice, as available. This position reports to Christina Reilly, Esq., Managing Attorney.

Essential Job Functions

• Provides direct and comprehensive legal services to eligible clients including advice, negotiation, motion practice, discovery and litigation.
• Offers holistic representation to clients with financial and other hardships that could result in loss of housing.
• Will appear in the city, town and village courts across our region in eviction and warranty of habitability cases.
• Maintain accurate records and statistics for the coordination of timely reports.
• Effectively, efficiently and objectively will communicate/interview applicants/clients for services over the phone or in person.
• Prepare and file pleadings, motions, briefs and other legal documents.
• Independently manage a caseload.
• Manage data related to grant reporting process.
• 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, bar associations, 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 required.
• Comply with all Legal Services Corporation (LSC) and LASMNY regulations, policies and procedures, to include but not limited to the Case Management Policy 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 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 wwww.lasmny.org