Staff Attorney

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

2d•$78,000 - $96,294•Hybrid

About The Position

The Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York, Inc. (LASMNY) is a non-profit public interest law firm that provides free legal information, advice and representation to people who are unable to afford a lawyer. Our staff provides services in thirteen counties: Broome, Chenango, Cayuga, Cortland, Delaware, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego, and Otsego. In addition, our Agricultural Worker Project (AWP) provides services to agricultural workers throughout New York State. LASMNY's mission is to provide free legal assistance to low-income individuals facing civil legal issues that impact basic needs such as housing, safety, income, and healthcare. We are committed to protecting the rights of vulnerable populations including seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, immigrants, and survivors of domestic violence. The Tenant Defense Project represents individual and group tenants in trial and appellate matters, including holdovers, nonpayment proceedings, administrative hearings, and affirmative litigation in state and local courts. The Staff Attorney will provide comprehensive legal services to eligible clients, including advice, negotiation, motion practice, discovery, and litigation. The attorney will appear in City, Town, and Village Courts across the region in eviction and warranty-of-habitability cases and will participate in education and outreach for community members, advocates, and service providers. The attorney will offer holistic assistance to clients facing financial or other hardships that may result in loss of housing.

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 landlord-tenant law preferred.
Proficiency in languages other than English preferred.

Responsibilities

Manage a full caseload of clients experiencing housing instability, ensuring high-quality legal services.
Provide legal representation in summary eviction proceedings, administrative hearings, and affirmative litigation.
Conduct legal research and draft pleadings, motions, memoranda, discovery requests and responses, and letters.
Negotiate settlements and payment agreements with landlords, property managers, and opposing counsel.
Prepare clients for hearings, depositions, and trial testimony.
Handle discovery including document review, requests for production, and interrogatories.
Pursue emergency relief including temporary restraining orders and orders to show cause when immediate housing loss is threatened.
Maintain accurate, timely, and complete case records in compliance with LSC regulations, LASMNY policies, and grant reporting requirements.
Document client interactions, case progress, and outcomes in the case management system.
Provide holistic legal counseling addressing interconnected legal issues affecting housing stability, including benefits, employment, family law, and consumer issues.
Assist clients in accessing social services, financial assistance programs, and community resources.
Assist with intake at courthouses and off-site locations, including during evening hours, to ensure accessibility for clients.
Deliver training, outreach, and educational programs to individuals, community-based organizations, and housing advocates.
Conduct “Know Your Rights” presentations specifically focused on tenant rights and responsibilities.
Participate in coalitions and task forces focused on housing justice.
Serve as an ambassador for LASMNY, promoting our work within the community.
Collaborate effectively with partner organizations, pro bono attorneys, and other stakeholders.
Stay current on developments in landlord-tenant law, housing policy, and eviction prevention strategies.
Participate in staff meetings and trainings.
Exhibit a strong commitment to advancing the mission of LASMNY.
Demonstrate the highest level of professionalism when handling confidential and sensitive client information.
Communicate effectively and courteously with clients, attorneys, court personnel, and community partners.
Maintain regular and predictable attendance in accordance with organizational policies.
Adapt to new technologies and systems, including legal research tools and case management software.
Comply with all Legal Services Corporation regulations, LASMNY policies and procedures, and grant-based reporting requirements.
Perform additional responsibilities and duties as assigned by a supervisor based on agency needs.