Staff Attorney (Foreclosure Prevention Project)

FORECLOSURE PREVENTION PROJECT STAFF ATTORNEY The Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York, a nonprofit civil legal services program, is seeking an experience attorney to represent homeowners at risk of mortgage foreclosure in foreclosure proceedings, settlement conferences and other foreclosure related cases. Our mission is to fight for fairness, dignity, and justice for those living in poverty and for a society which is inclusive and equitable for all. We transform lives, build community, and empower people by using the law to address individual and systemic wrongs and inequities. We seek attorneys who will be dedicated to our mission and will seek justice and fairness for households at risk of losing their homes through foreclosure. We are skilled, creative, and compassionate advocates combining a passion to serve with the skills and will to address both individual and systemic injustice. At this time, we are fully engaged in utilizing our legal skills to assist the low-income community in addressing the harms caused by COVID -19, particularly the threat to housing due to the pandemic. We take pride in providing holistic services to our clients with a wide range of programs and substantive law expertise and are stepping up to assist our communities in this time of crisis. We are an integral part of the legal and human service community and expect these attorneys will be deeply involved in the network of government, community members, housing and shelter providers and others dedicated to combatting and preventing homelessness and mortgage foreclosure at a time when housing is more important than ever. The position is located in Albany, New York, the state capital, which is a lively, family friendly city with a reasonable cost of living, excellent quality of life, and easy access to major metropolitan areas as well as year-round outdoor opportunities. Our office is a collegial and supportive workplace, encouraging and supporting staff development. The staff attorney will serve in our Foreclosure Prevention Project in the Albany office. The attorney will provide legal assistance to homeowners threatened with foreclosure in Albany, Rensselaer, Schenectady, Columbia, and Greene Counties served from the Albany Office. The attorney will be responsible for providing advice, brief service, negotiation and full representation in foreclosure proceedings, settlement conferences and other foreclosure related cases to homeowners at risk of mortgage foreclosure. The attorney will engage in non-litigation advocacy with mortgage servicers, tax districts, and other local and state agencies. The attorney will also provide counsel and, when necessary, assistance to homeowners in accessing/applying for available funds to prevent foreclosure. The attorney will be responsible for related detailed grant reporting and must work closely with other staff at LASNNY, project partners and housing counseling agencies. The attorney will also be expected to conduct outreach to prospective clients and routinely be out of the office at court, community partner agencies or other off-site locations, attend meetings of the HomeSave Coalition and other local community meetings and participate in clinics, community legal education or other outreach events. The attorney will also provide free legal assistance to eligible households in a variety of legal matters to meet their clients’ essential needs, such as housing and subsistence income, including housing related bankruptcy, housing post foreclosure or other homeownership related issues. The attorney will be expected to represent clients in multiple forums, in varied areas of law and types of actions and proceedings. In addition to providing advice, brief service and full representation to eligible clients, responsibilities will include data collection, grant reporting, case file and case management system maintenance. Qualifications: At least 2 to 6 years prior legal experience or equivalent is required. Admitted to New York State Bar. Demonstrated commitment to public interest law and providing high quality legal services to clients in civil matters. Must be able to communicate effectively and work independently and efficiently. Sensitive to the needs of the low and moderate income households in crisis. Good computer and administrative skills including accurate and quick data entry. Ability to handle high volume caseload, work off-site and collaboratively with community partner agency staff. Must have a car and valid New York driver’s license. Prior experience in foreclosure representation, real estate or housing law related experience is preferred. Ability to speak Spanish a plus. Salary: Depending on Experience to $62,921 We are a unionized program with excellent fringe benefits including: Three weeks of paid vacation in year one (four weeks in year two) as well as generous sick and personal leave time available immediately to the employee. Complimentary group term life insurance and long-term disability coverage. Expansive health insurance coverage with most of the premium employer paid. Other benefits include, dental, vision, FSA, an employer contributed retirement plan and many more. Application Deadline: October 18, 2021 No applications will be accepted without cover letter, resume, references and writing sample. To apply, please go to www.lasnny.org OR 1) Complete the Application linked here, or the mobile-friendly application linked here 2) Complete the Demographic Survey linked here We are an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer. Women, BIPOC, LGBTQ persons, applicants and recipients of public assistance, the elderly, protected veterans, and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.