Staff Attorney (Disabillity Advocacy Program - DAP)

Essential Job Functions

• Represents clients in administrative proceedings and hearings before the Administrative Law Judges to maintain and obtain SSDI/SSI benefits.
• Provides direct and comprehensive legal services to eligible clients including but not limited to advice, negotiation and administrative advocacy.
• 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.

A commitment to professional growth, excellent organizational, problem solving and interpersonal skills, enthusiasm for direct client services and commitment to social justice required. Other qualifying factors include: the nature and extent of prior legal experience, knowledge and understanding of the legal problems and needs of the poor, prior experience in the client community or in other programs to aid the poor, ability to communicate with persons in the client community; and cultural similarity with the client community.