Description:

Job Summary:
A Not-For-Profit Legal Assistance Program is seeking to add another Staff Attorney to our growing legal team of seven (7) highly-experienced attorneys, supported by twelve (12) paralegals. The Staff Attorney's primary role will be to provide training and support to pro bono attorneys and supervise paralegals assisting A Not-For-Profit Legal Assistance Program clients who are part of the following target populations: older adults, veterans, and individuals living with HIV/AIDS. The Staff Attorney will train and mentor volunteer attorneys to advise and represent clients primarily in preparation of wills and end of life planning documents, and other services as needed.

With support from a Pro Bono Coordinator, the Staff Attorney will also recruit new pro bono attorneys and encourage existing volunteers with award nominations and other recognition. In addition, the Staff Attorney will have the opportunity to support court and community-based legal and social justice committees, working groups, and events.

The Staff Attorney must have a minimum of five (5) years of legal practice experience. The ideal candidate will have knowledge of NY State civil procedure, elder law, estate planning, and familiarity with family law, landlord/tenant, and/or another area of law in which A Not-For-Profit Legal Assistance Program practices. If you are an experienced attorney who is passionate about making a difference in the lives of underserved individuals and families, we encourage you to apply regardless of your particular area of practice.

The Staff Attorney must be both sensitive and open-minded to the needs of A Not-For-Profit Legal Assistance Program's client population, especially older adults, individuals who identify as LGTBQ+, and veterans. The Staff Attorney must be adept at training and supporting volunteer attorneys from the private bar. The position requires the ability to work independently and exercise sound and compassionate judgment in a fast-paced environment. It also requires the ability to serve a very diverse clientele that may be in crisis or has

endured various forms of trauma. The Staff Attorney must also successfully collaborate with other legal services agencies, the private bar and community organizations. This position is responsible for recording time and case information accurately, producing reports, and evaluating information to determine compliance with agency and funder requirements for A Not-For-Profit Legal Assistance Program program areas described below.

Responsibilities:

Accountable for leading A Not-For-Profit Legal Assistance Program's programs serving the following specific target populations:

(1) older adults, (2) individuals with HIV+ or other serious conditions, and (3) veterans
Develop and oversee volunteer legal clinics to assist clients with preparation of wills and end of life planning documents at off-site locations, including senior housing projects, hospitals, churches, veterans centers, and other trusted places in the community
Train and mentor attorneys to represent A Not-For-Profit Legal Assistance Program clients by organizing formal trainings such as CLEs, and providing one-on-one coaching and oversight of assigned cases
Support pro bono attorneys with all aspects of representation, including stepping in if needed to ensure competent client representation
Collaborate with other A Not-For-Profit Legal Assistance Program program unit leaders as needed to provide expertise to clients and volunteers in areas of family, housing, immigration, and consumer law.
Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate work of paralegals, law student interns, and other direct reports
Review and assess client matters. Accurately assess legal issues with ability to issue-spot for assignment to a volunteer or referral as appropriate
Provide advice and counsel to clients who will not receive full scope representation by an assigned pro bono attorney or partner agency
Maintain positive and effective collaborative relationships with partner agencies
Assist A Not-For-Profit Legal Assistance Program Pro Bono Coordinator with developing and implementing outreach strategy to recruit new pro bono attorneys, and identifying current volunteers for awards and other recognition
Participate in bar association and other activities in order to network with local attorneys
Accountable for ensuring on-time completion of program deliverables and contract requirements set forth in grant agreement(s)
Assign, direct, supervise, and assess work of paralegals, interns, and law students
Provide legal information and referrals to individuals who do not qualify as clients for our program services
Manage cases, report progress, and record time in a case management system
Participate in community outreach and community-related and social justice committees, working groups, and other events as needed
Assist in the administration of grants and grant reporting as requested

Required Qualifications:

J.D. and licenced to practice in the State of New York
A minimum of five (5) years experience practicing law
Must reside within commuting distance of A Not-For-Profit Legal Assistance Program office (Note: A Not-For-Profit Legal Assistance Program offers a flexible work-from-home policy, but this position requires attendance at in-person clinics or meetings several times per week)
A strong commitment to justice, equity, and community wellness. Demonstrated interest in serving diverse or low-income populations
Ability to work independently and exercise sound and compassionate judgment while serving a very diverse clientele that may be in crisis or have endured various forms of trauma
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to maintain effective relationships with the courts, the private bar, bar associations, and community organizations
Ability to work cooperatively with fellow staff, supervisors, interns, and pro bono volunteers
Excellent written and oral communication skills and telephonic and in-person interviewing skills
Database and records/case management skills and ability to maintain confidentiality of records and information
Highly organized, detail-oriented, and committed to working in a client-focused and collegial environment
Commitment to continuous process improvement and comfort with change
A pleasant and professional demeanor and a balanced sense of humor

Preferred Qualifications:

Expertise in wills and estate planning and/or one or more A Not-For-Profit Legal Assistance Program practice areas (e.g., family law, landlord/tenant, etc.)
Experience recruiting, training, supervising, or mentoring pro bono volunteers
Prior experience with hiring/managing paralegals and other support staff
Active in local legal community and/or desire to engage in networking and recruiting activities with local bar