Disability Advocacy Program (DAP) Staff Attorney - Albany Office

Legal Aid Society of Northeastern NY•City of Albany, NY

2d•$75,237•Hybrid

About The Position

The Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York (LASNNY), a nonprofit civil legal services program, is seeking a Disability Advocacy Program Staff Attorney based in its Albany Office. The attorney will primarily provide legal representation and assistance to clients with intellectual, mental, and physical disabilities, including intellectual limitations, anxiety, depression, HIV, PTSD, ADHD, musculoskeletal impairments, Crohn’s disease, diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. LASNNY serves sixteen counties in upstate New York through six regional offices. The position provides a full range of legal services, including assistance with Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims, and may include cases involving eligibility for public assistance and Medicaid benefits. Services include counsel and advice, referrals, administrative hearing representation, affirmative and defensive litigation, systemic advocacy, community legal education, outreach and engagement, and community lawyering. The attorney works with clients and LASNNY colleagues and participates in training and advocacy initiatives. The role is based in a professional law office and may involve occasional carrying of regular office supplies. It uses standard office equipment, software, and remote videoconferencing platforms. LASNNY describes its culture as supportive and relaxed, emphasizing empathy, integrity, and a commitment to justice and fairness. The position is unionized and offers flexible hybrid-remote and alternative work schedules. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Requirements

Must be licensed to practice law in New York State or eligible for admission. Law graduates will be considered if they have taken the bar exam.
Must communicate effectively with clients and staff, work independently and efficiently, solve problems, and collaborate with community partner agency staff.
Must be willing to travel throughout the service area.
Must be a New York State resident with reliable transportation.
Strong computer, administrative, reporting, and data-entry skills are required.

Nice To Haves

Training or experience in community lawyering or community organizing.
Demonstrated strong listening and relationship-building skills.
Experience, creativity, and willingness to use varied legal and non-legal advocacy tools to advance community-identified initiatives.
Multilingual ability; Spanish or Chinese preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide legal assistance to clients dealing with intellectual, mental, or physical limitations.
Provide legal representation and assistance in Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims; the attorney may also be assigned cases involving eligibility for public assistance and Medicaid benefits.
Provide a full range of legal services, including counsel and advice, referrals, representation in administrative hearings, affirmative and defensive litigation, systemic advocacy, community legal education, outreach and engagement, and community lawyering.
Participate in training and advocacy initiatives to maintain skills and knowledge.
Build strong relationships with clients while navigating complex legal matters.
Work collaboratively with LASNNY attorneys and paralegals to maximize access to LASNNY services.