Staff Attorney (Disability Advocacy Program)

Staff Attorney |Disability Advocacy Program (DAP)

Utica, NY Office

The Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York (LASMNY), Inc. is actively seeking a dynamic full-time Staff Attorney to represent clients in administrative proceedings and hearings before the Social Security Administration.  The position is based in our Utica, NY office and reports to the Managing Attorney.

LASMNY is a non-profit public interest law firm.  We provide free legal information, advice and representation to people who are unable to afford a lawyer.  The program area includes (13) counties: Broome, Chenango, Cayuga, Cortland, Delaware, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego and Otsego.  In addition, our Farmworker Law Project services the entire New York State out of our New Paltz Office.

Essential Job Functions

The staff attorney will represent clients in administrative proceedings and hearings before Administrative Law Judges to maintain and obtain SSDI/SSI benefits. The staff attorney also will provide comprehensive legal services, including, but not limited to, advice, negotiation, and administrative advocacy.  The staff attorney will carry a substantial caseload.  This position requires that the staff attorney comply with all Legal Services Corporation (LSC) regulations, LASMNY policies and procedures, and grant-based reporting requirements.

Job Qualifications

The successful candidate must be admitted to the New York State Bar.  Law Graduates may be considered with strong writing backgrounds.  Prior experience preferred, but not required. A commitment to professional growth, excellent organizational, problem solving and interpersonal skills, enthusiasm for direct client services, and a commitment to social justice are 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 low-income individuals; and ability to communicate with persons  in  the  client  community.  Some travel may be required; must possess a valid NYS driver’s license.  Bilingual or multilingual a plus.   

Estimated salary range is:

• Admitted to the NYS Bar:  Estimated salary range is $60,000 - $90,540.  DOE
• Law Graduate: Estimated salary range is $58,000 - $59,000.  DOE

Benefits - 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

Interested, qualified applicants should apply by providing a cover letter, resume, writing sample and contact information, including email address for (3) professional references to jobs@lasmny.org.

LASMNY is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE)

For more information, please visit www.lasmny.org