Staff Attorney (Eviction Defense Program)

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.