Impact Unit Attorney – Affirm. Litig. New Windsor or Peekskill

Legal Services of the H•New Windsor, NY

5d•$78,850 - $145,784•Hybrid

About The Position

Legal Services of the Hudson Valley (LSHV) has an immediate opening for a full-time staff attorney in our Impact unit, with a focus on affirmative litigation and appeals in housing matters. The attorney will report to the Attorney-in-Charge of the New Windsor or Peekskill office regarding all matters except their legal work, which the Director of Litigation will supervise. The purpose of the position is to increase the systemic impact of our work.

Requirements

Three years litigating in New York housing courts with extensive motion practice and trial experience
Extensive work on two or more complex matters related to warranty of habitability
Exemplary research and writing skills
Ability to identify, plead and prove causes of action that will have the most impact
Driver’s license and transportation (e.g., car)

Nice To Haves

Experience litigating in justice courts
Experience in state Supreme Court
Experience with federally subsidized housing

Responsibilities

Identifying causes of action to assert tenants’ warranty of habitability rights and bringing affirmative cases
Evaluating litigation strategies with housing attorneys and their supervisors to improve apartment conditions
Working with tenants’ organizations to identify bad actors
Coordinating with private attorneys seeking redress for the health effects caused by landlord neglect
Working with the Director of Litigation to conduct periodic trainings on topics such as evidence of apartment conditions, recent decisions and legislation
Researching, writing, perfecting and arguing appeals in coordination with the trial court attorney
Assisting attorneys and their supervisors in litigation strategies which increase the likelihood of a successful appeal
Evaluating potentially appealable orders where the litigant had been pro se and assisting attorneys and their supervisors in evaluating appealable orders
With the Director of Litigation, attend state-wide advocate meetings, conferences and other events where civil legal services’ issues are addressed and collaborate with other organizations
Travel to state Supreme Courts in Orange, Dutchess, Sullivan and Ulster counties is expected, as well as occasional travel to Albany for in-person oral argument at the Appellate Division
Occasional appearances at evening tenant events in these counties may be required