Family Defense Unit Staff Attorney
About The Position
Legal Services of the Hudson Valley (LSHV) has an immediate opening for a full-time Staff Attorney in Westchester County, based out of the White Plains office. The attorney will be part of the multidisciplinary Family Defense Unit (FDU), representing parents accused of neglect or abuse in investigations, administrative hearings, Article 10 proceedings, permanency planning hearings, termination of parental rights matters, and other related family court cases. The position requires travel throughout Westchester County and regular appearances in the White Plains, Yonkers, and New Rochelle Family Courts. The Staff Attorney provides high-quality legal representation and advocacy to eligible clients in child welfare and family court proceedings, collaborating with social workers and Family Advocates. LSHV provides free civil legal services to low-income people in a seven-county Hudson Valley service area and is committed to equity, a skilled workforce that reflects the communities it serves, and respectful relationships among staff. The position may permit working from home up to two days per week after a brief probationary period.
Requirements
- Be a member in good standing of the New York State Bar.
- Have two or more years of legal experience.
- Demonstrate commitment to public interest law, legal services, indigent defense, family defense, civil legal aid, or a related area of advocacy.
- Have excellent interpersonal, communication, and client counseling skills, and the ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
- Be committed to client-centered, trauma-informed, and holistic legal representation.
- Be able to work collaboratively on an interdisciplinary team that includes attorneys, social workers, parent advocates, paralegals, and other professionals.
- Be willing and able to travel throughout Westchester County and appear regularly in the White Plains, Yonkers, and New Rochelle Family Courts.
Nice To Haves
- Experience representing clients in Family Court, child welfare, or other litigation matters.
- Prior experience in family defense, child welfare, family law, or related litigation.
- Experience working with low-income, vulnerable, or historically marginalized populations.
- Bilingual proficiency, particularly in Spanish, is strongly preferred.
Responsibilities
- Maintain the highest standards of practice and provide client-centered legal advocacy.
- Interview clients, review documents, and conduct legal research.
- Provide advice to clients.
- Advocate and negotiate on clients' behalf.
- Draft and prepare legal documents, pleadings, motions, briefs, and appeals.
- Represent clients in litigation in Family, Appellate, and other Courts.
- Represent clients before administrative agencies.
- Engage in community relations, outreach, and legal education.
- Maintain files and record case work in the time management system.
- Attend relevant training events in areas of law practiced.
Benefits
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Life insurance
- Long-term disability coverage
- Defined contribution to a 403(b)
- Loan repayment assistance
- Paid parental leave
- Job-related training
- Mentoring Program
- Emerging Leaders Program
- Work from home up to two days per week after a brief probationary period may be permitted
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
