Description:
II. Position SummaryA Non-Profit Law Firm is pleased to announce an opening for a Staff Attorney or Supervising Attorney for the Disability Advocacy Project. Empire Justice Center will fill this position with either a Staff Attorney or a Supervising Attorney, based on the applicant's experience and qualifications. If this position is filled with a Staff Attorney, the expectation is that this position will develop into a Supervising Attorney, to meet the immediate needs of the practice group.
The DAP Supervising Attorney represents low-income individuals with disabilities before the Social Security Administration and in federal court in appealing the denial or termination of their federal disability benefits (SSI and SSD). The Supervising Attorney also provides supervision to members of the Empire Justice DAP direct service team in Rochester.
III. Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Preparing written memoranda;
- Keeping accurate case and time records;
- Developing medical and other evidence;
- Participate in federal court litigation, as needed;
- Assisting with reporting on government contracts.
- Respond to client, community, and staff concerns;
- Assist with developing outreach in the Rochester community;
- Supervising, mentoring, and training of DAP direct service staff;
- Maintain individual caseload representing clients before SSA and in federal court;
- Maintaining professional, compassionate and effective relationships with clients;
- Evaluating and updating DAP processes and procedures related to direct service;
- Attending and participating in CLE events relevant to Social Security disability appeals;
- Working to ensure provision of high quality representation by DAP direct service team;
- Interviewing clients and providing legal advice about the Social Security appeals process;
- Advocating for clients before SSA and other agencies involved the disability appeals process;
- Analyzing legal issues through review of documents, client meetings, and legal research;
- Developing an in-depth knowledge of Social Security disability law, policy, and procedures;
- Working with team to identify and address systemic problems faced by DAP direct service clients;
- Engaging in hearing advocacy through oral argument, direct and cross-examination, and introduction of evidence;
- Other duties and responsibilities as assigned by your supervisor and/or to meet the needs of the organization.
- Legal Research
- Legal Advocacy
- Microsoft Office
- Client Experience
- Document Drafting
- Organizational Skills
- Ability to Work on a Team
- Oral Communication Skills
- Written Communication Skills
- Minimum 5 years of legal practice experience
- Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited US law school or international equivalent
- Admission to New York State Bar and in good standing as a member of the NYS bar
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bilingual in Spanish
