Staff Attorney (Civil Law)

BLDG SVC 32 B-J•New York, NY

49d

About The Position

Building Services 32BJ Benefit Funds (“the Funds”) is the umbrella organization responsible for administering Health, Pension, Retirement Savings, Training, and Legal Services benefits to over 100,000 SEIU 32BJ members. Our mission is to make significant contributions to the lives of our members by providing high quality benefits and services. Through our commitment, we embody five core values: Flexibility, Initiative, Respect, Sustainability, and Teamwork (FIRST). By following our core values, employees are open to different and new ways of doing things, take active steps to improve the organization, create an environment of trust and respect, approach their work with the intent of a positive outcome, and work collaboratively with colleagues. The Funds oversees and manages $9 billion of dollars in assets, which are made up of many, varied and complex funds. The dollars come from a number of sources, including the property owners who pay into the funds on behalf of their employees, and as such, requires those who oversee and manage the money to be highly skilled financial management people. For 2025 and beyond, 32BJ Benefit Funds will continue to drive innovation, equity, and technology insights to further help the lives of our hard-working members and their families. We use cutting edge technology such as: M365, Dynamics 365 CRM, Dynamics 365 F&O, Azure, AWS, SQL, Snowflake, QlikView, and more. The 32BJ Legal Services Fund provides legal advice and representation to eligible 32BJ members and their dependents. Reporting to the Supervising Attorney and the Deputy Director of the Legal Services Fund, the Staff Attorney will provide legal services to the members of Building Service 32BJ who are eligible under the union’s Legal Services Plan.

Requirements

Juris Doctor degree and admission to the New York State Bar
Strong negotiation, writing, research, analytical, and litigation skills
Excellent written and oral advocacy skills
Ability to balance a busy caseload and manage client expectations
Compassionate approach in working with clients in difficult situations
Collaborative team player with ability to also work independently
Ability to electronically file documents and cases with administrative agencies and courts
Maintain professional appearance, workspace, and demeanor as a representative of the Legal Services Fund
Analyze complex issues and exercise sound legal judgment, with the assistance and guidance of supervising attorneys
Ability to appear before courts and agencies and present orally and in writing in an articulate and professional manner
Outstanding communication, analytical, research and writing skills

Responsibilities

Provide legal representation in civil matters, including real estate, bankruptcy and estate planning before courts and related venues
Engage in client intake, counseling, research, writing, oral and written advocacy and negotiations as a part of legal representation
Draft pleadings, motions, memoranda of law, discovery requests and responses, and legal correspondence
Represent clients in court hearings and other venues
Develop legal strategy, build case theories, conduct research and assemble evidence
Provide clients with legal advice and guidance
Conduct case preparation including interviewing, investigation, document review, and witness preparation
Discuss case progress with supervisors and provide reports summarizing case status
Maintain ongoing contact with clients, opposing counsel, advisory parties, colleagues and courts through telephonic, electronic and written communication
Update case files timely, including, file notes, correspondence and file records
Supervise (work product only) legal assistants, paralegals and legal interns
Be familiar with substantive and procedural civil law
Have knowledge of areas covered under the Legal Service Plan
Maintain confidential materials and information associated with all clients
Attend member information meetings under the direction of supervisory personnel, including travel as required