Disability Advocacy Program (DAP) Staff Attorney - Albany Office

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

23h•$72,870 - $93,914•Hybrid

About The Position

The Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York (LASNNY) is seeking a Disability Advocacy Program (DAP) Staff Attorney for its Albany Office. This role involves providing legal representation and assistance to clients with various intellectual, mental, and physical limitations. The service area covers sixteen counties in upstate New York, with six regional offices. LASNNY is a unionized program committed to seeking justice and fairness for individuals in the community, employing skilled, creative, and compassionate advocates.

Requirements

Must be licensed to practice law in NYS or be eligible for admission. Law Graduates will be considered if they have taken the bar exam.
Must be able to communicate effectively with clients and staff, work independently and efficiently, and be able to problem solve and work collaboratively with community partner agency staff.
Must be willing to travel throughout our service area.
New York State resident with reliable transportation.
Strong computer, administrative, reporting, and data entry skills 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.
Multi-lingual, 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.
May 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.
Build strong relationships with clients while navigating complex legal landscapes.
Work collaboratively with other LASNNY attorneys/paralegals to maximize access to LASNNY services.