Staff Attorney

NYLAG•New York, NY

13d•$90,262 - $104,544•Hybrid

About The Position

The Special Litigation Unit of the New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) is seeking a highly motivated Staff Attorney with at least one and up to five years of legal experience for a full-time, two-year position. The attorney will focus on systemic issues that affect the health and well-being of NYLAG’s clients, including matters involving Medicaid, Medicare, public benefits, housing, disability rights, and access to health care. The attorney will develop litigation and engage in advocacy that addresses inequities in health coverage and the social determinants of health, by collaborating within NYLAG and with external stakeholders. Examples of current and recent SLU lawsuits that have touched on health issues include: Engesser, et al. v. McDonald, which challenged the lack of procedural protections for recipients of Medicaid-funded homecare as New York State restructured a major homecare program; NYLAG v. SSA, which challenges the Social Security Administration’s practice of keeping key policies secret from the public and wrongfully charging fees to public interest FOIA requestors; J.S.M. v. New York City Department of Education, which challenges New York City’s delays in scheduling hearings and issuing decisions regarding special education services for children with disabilities; and Grazia v. Carrion, which enforced the right of public housing residents and applicants to access their building’s housing code violations. The attorney will partner closely with NYLAG’s direct representation practices, including the Evelyn Frank Legal Resources Program (NYLAG’s long term care practice), the Public Benefits Unit, the Disability Advocacy Project, and LegalHealth (NYLAG’s medical-legal partnership).

Requirements

At least one and up to five years’ legal experience, including civil litigation experience
Excellent legal research, writing, and communication skills
Demonstrated commitment to public interest law and racial justice
Admission to the New York Bar

Nice To Haves

Experience with federal litigation, class actions, and/or systemic advocacy
Knowledge and experience navigating Medicaid, Medicare, and other public benefits
Experience working with the communities of clients that NYLAG serves
Demonstrated ability to handle complex matters involving multiple stakeholders and collaborate effectively across teams

Responsibilities

Developing new impact litigation cases, including identifying and interviewing potential plaintiffs, drafting complaints, engaging in motion practice, and drafting briefs and other court documents
Engaging in discovery, including drafting and responding to discovery requests, preparing for, taking and defending depositions, and assisting with document review
Interviewing, advising, and advocating on behalf of individual class members
Negotiating and drafting settlements, monitoring compliance with settlements, participating in internal strategy discussions, engaging with opposing counsel, and appearing in court
Collaborating with internal and external partners working within similar communities
Acting as a liaison to partner organizations and other external stakeholders
Performing other duties, including giving general consults, advice, trainings, and mentoring of volunteers and pro bono partners