Staff Attorney - Private Attorney Involvement (PAI) Director
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT: STAFF ATTORNEY PRIVATE ATTORNEY INVOLVEMENT (PAI) DIRECTOR Albany Office – 95 Central Ave.
The Private Attorney Involvement Program: The Legal Aid Society is a not-for-profit law firm for low income people that covers 16 counties in northeastern New York. We have a full-time legal staff that handles civil cases in certain areas of the law, but the demand for our services is heavy, and exceeds the assistance which our in-house staff is able to provide. Therefore, the PAI Program is an essential component of the Legal Aid Society. Through this program, several hundred volunteer private attorneys take case referrals without charge to eligible clients. The types of cases we refer include housing, bankruptcy, divorce, custody and support, SSI, unemployment insurance benefits, transgender name changes, wills, healthcare proxies, and powers of attorney, among others.
Responsibilities: Ensure that the PAI program operates in a productive and efficient manner to best meet the needs of our clients and attorney volunteers. Make case referrals to private attorneys who are on the volunteer panel. Maintain regular contact with PAI attorneys and their referred clients to ensure that the case is moving forward and also to obtain necessary information at the case’s completion. Substantial administrative responsibilities to support the program, including maintaining statistical records for purposes of CLE and grant reporting; preparing data for grant reporting; obtain feedback from clients and volunteers in order to improve operations. Lead in the recruitment of new panelists and expansion of the PAI program, as well as cultivate and maintain relationships with existing volunteers. Supervise the PAI Coordinators and part-time PAI paralegal in all administrative aspects of his or her work, and assist in their evaluations. Work with LASNNY staff regarding program collaborations and referrals. Teach a monthly clinic to clients. Nurture relationships with local bar associations, other pro bono providers, and judicial personnel. Must participate in evening bar association and pro bono activities, the frequency of which varies depending on the season. Promote PAI and LASNNY as a whole, which requires occasional public speaking. Write column in LASNNY publications as well as outside publications tailored to pro bono and civil legal services delivery. Prepare nomination packages for outstanding volunteers for local, statewide, and national pro bono awards. Attend statewide and national conferences in order to adapt the PAI program to the ever-evolving needs of clients and volunteers alike.
Salary: Up to $59,700 depending on experience. We are a unionized program and offer excellent fringe benefits.
Qualifications: Juris Doctor from an accredited institution. Minimum 4 years’ relevant experience. Must have demonstrated commitment to public interest law, and be passionate about providing pro bono services to low-income clients. Experience must include two years’ experience in a relevant area of law, e.g., family law and matrimonial, bankruptcy, or housing. Must be able to work independently and as part of a team, as well as build a strong PAI team. Ability to speak Spanish is a plus.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: October 19th, 2020 No application will be accepted without a cover letter, resume, and writing sample. To apply, please go to www.lasnny.org/employment/
We are Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Minorities, women, the elderly, LGBT persons, Protected Veterans and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.