Staff Attorney

Legal Aid Society of Mid New York•Utica, NY

11h•Onsite

About The Position

The Staff Attorney works in LASMNY’s HelpLine, the organization’s primary point of entry for clients across its thirteen-county service area. The HelpLine provides legal advice, brief services, document assistance, and referrals to people seeking help with civil legal matters. The attorney primarily assists clients by telephone and online, with a growing focus on public benefits, including SNAP, Medicaid, and Medicare. The role helps clients understand agency notices, meet deadlines, request fair hearings, and maintain access to essential benefits, while helping the HelpLine respond to changing policies and regulations. The attorney identifies related legal issues that may require further assistance and makes referrals to LASMNY practice groups, partner legal services organizations, and community resources. The role also requires compliance with Legal Services Corporation regulations, grant requirements, and LASMNY policies. This is a full-time, non-union position with a 35-hour workweek, based in Utica, New York, and reporting to the Supervising Attorney.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (J.D.) or Master of Laws (LL.M.) from an accredited law school.
Admission to practice law in New York State; attorneys admitted in another jurisdiction and eligible for admission on motion are encouraged to apply.
Demonstrated commitment to serving low-income communities and advancing equal access to justice.
Excellent listening, verbal, and written communication skills.
Ability to manage a high volume of matters, set priorities, and make sound judgments quickly.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, case management systems, and computerized legal research.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Nice To Haves

At least one year of relevant legal experience.
Experience with public benefits, including SNAP, Medicaid, or Medicare.
Experience with fair hearings or other administrative advocacy.
Experience with a legal hotline or another high-volume case setting.
Proficiency in languages other than English.

Responsibilities

Provide legal advice, brief services, and referrals by telephone and online to residents of LASMNY’s thirteen-county service area on public benefits, housing, consumer, family, and other civil legal matters.
Advise callers on SNAP, Medicaid, public assistance, and other public benefits, including applications, recertifications, work requirements, reductions, terminations, and overpayment claims.
Assist older adults and people with disabilities with Medicaid and Medicare issues, including eligibility, enrollment, Medicare Savings Programs, and coverage denials.
Help callers request fair hearings, including aid continuing where available, prepare for self-representation at hearings, or refer them for representation.
Prepare brief-service documents such as advice letters, letters to agencies and landlords, and forms and pleadings for self-represented litigants.
Identify emergencies, including imminent loss of benefits, housing, or utilities, and route callers for prompt action.
Screen callers for related legal needs and make effective referrals to LASMNY practice areas, partner legal services organizations, and community resources.
Track trends in benefits calls and share updates on changing rules with HelpLine colleagues.
Maintain accurate case, time, and grant reporting records in the case management system.
Stay current on public benefits and other areas of poverty law and maintain required Continuing Legal Education credits.
Handle confidential and sensitive client information professionally and discreetly, and treat callers with patience and respect.
Communicate courteously and effectively with clients, staff, attorneys, agency staff, and community partners.
Maintain regular and predictable attendance, including scheduled HelpLine coverage.
Adapt to new technologies and systems, including telephone systems, legal research tools, and case management software.
Comply with 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.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
Basic and voluntary life insurance.
Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Accounts.
Employer retirement contributions.
Paid vacation, sick, personal, parental, and bereavement leave.
Fourteen paid holidays.
Paid CLE registration, attorney registration fees, and local and New York State bar dues.
Professional development and training opportunities.
Mileage reimbursement and parking.
Relocation assistance.
Employee Assistance Program.
Qualifying employer for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.