Staff Attorney

Legal Aid Society of Mid New York Inc•Syracuse, NY

14d•$78,000 - $96,294

About The Position

The Staff Attorney for the Economic Security Project will provide high-quality legal representation to low-income individuals in matters involving public benefits, including Medicaid, Food Stamps (SNAP), Family Assistance, Safety Net Assistance, and unemployment benefits. The attorney will represent clients in administrative hearings and appeals, litigate Article 78 proceedings, and advocate for individuals facing benefit denials, terminations, or reductions. This position also involves community education and outreach to empower clients and service providers, offering holistic assistance to those experiencing loss of benefits or other financial hardship.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school with zero to five years of experience.
Admission to practice law in New York State. Law school graduates registered for the New York State Bar Exam, or eligible for admission on motion, are encouraged to apply.
Excellent written, analytical, organizational, and oral advocacy skills.
Demonstrated commitment to public interest law and serving communities facing systemic barriers to justice.
Ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively, and manage a high volume of cases.

Nice To Haves

Experience in public benefits law, unemployment insurance, or administrative hearings preferred.
Proficiency in languages other than English preferred.

Responsibilities

Represent clients at administrative Fair Hearings and unemployment insurance hearings before Administrative Law Judges.
Litigate Article 78 proceedings in New York State Supreme Court to challenge arbitrary or capricious agency decisions and ensure judicial oversight of administrative actions.
Advocate for clients in a broad range of public benefits matters, including SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, Family Assistance, and Safety Net Assistance.
Pursue administrative appeals to the Unemployment Insurance Appeal Board and initiate exhaustion of administrative remedies required for judicial review.
Conduct complex legal research and draft high-level legal documents, including Petitions for Article 78 review, Notices of Motion, Fair Hearing requests, and appellate briefs.
Manage discovery and records requests, including FOIL requests to government agencies to build a comprehensive administrative record.
Prepare clients and witnesses for testimony and gather medical, financial, and other evidence essential for hearings and court filings.
Negotiate settlements with agency counsel and representatives to secure retroactive benefits and prevent termination of essential income supports.
Pursue emergency relief, such as Aid Continuing, expedited Fair Hearings, and Preliminary Injunctions or Temporary Restraining Orders in Supreme Court when benefits are at immediate risk.
Stay current on evolving case law regarding New York State administrative procedures and social services regulations.
Deliver “Know Your Rights” presentations and community outreach focused on navigating Fair Hearings and challenging agency denials.
Collaborate with pro bono attorneys and other stakeholders to expand capacity for Article 78 litigation and benefits advocacy.
Maintain meticulous case records in compliance with LSC regulations and LASMNY policies.
Participate in staff meetings, project work group meetings, and trainings.
Exhibit a strong commitment to advancing LASMNY’s mission.