Staff Attorney - Community Guardian Program

JASA•New York, NY

1d•$85,000 - $95,000

About The Position

The Staff Attorney provides legal representation, counsel, and advocacy on behalf of JASA’s Community Guardian Program (CGP), supporting guardianship litigation, housing advocacy, public benefits representation, and legal compliance to protect and support vulnerable adults in New York City. The program serves hundreds of adults as a court-appointed guardian when no suitable alternative guardian is available. Clients may have serious mental illness, experience homelessness or housing instability, face eviction or loss of benefits, or lack available family or friends to serve as guardian. The attorney represents JASA in Article 81 guardianship proceedings from start to discharge, appears in court, prepares legal documents and pleadings, conducts legal research, and ensures compliance with court mandates and guardianship obligations. The role also provides legal guidance to program staff, reviews case files for legal risks, and supports client service planning. The attorney represents clients in NYC Housing Court and NYCHA administrative proceedings, advises on public benefits, and advocates to maintain or restore critical benefits and services. The position works closely with courts, government agencies, service providers, and multidisciplinary JASA teams. It is scheduled Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, for 35 hours per week. Travel throughout New York City is required as needed, and occasional evenings or extended hours may be required with limited notice.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
Admission to the New York State Bar in good standing.
Commitment to public interest law and serving vulnerable populations.
Strong knowledge of guardianship law and fiduciary responsibilities.
Experience with government benefits systems, including Medicaid, SNAP, and Social Security.
Strong legal writing, research, and analytical skills.
Ability to explain complex legal concepts clearly.
Strong organizational and time management skills.
Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment.
Strong collaboration and interpersonal skills.
Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace.
Ability to learn new systems and legal technology platforms.

Nice To Haves

Three or more years of litigation experience preferred.
Experience with Article 81 guardianship strongly preferred.
Experience in landlord-tenant law and Housing Court strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Represent JASA in Article 81 guardianship proceedings from start to discharge.
Appear in court for hearings, conferences, motion practice, and litigation.
Draft and review Orders to Show Cause, petitions and cross-petitions, affirmations in opposition, orders, oaths, designations, and commissions.
Conduct legal research and prepare pleadings and motions.
Ensure compliance with court mandates and guardianship obligations.
Provide legal guidance to Community Guardian Program staff on fiduciary duties and compliance.
Collaborate with caseworkers, social workers, finance staff, and leadership teams.
Review case files to identify legal risks and obligations.
Support development of comprehensive client service plans.
Represent clients in NYC Housing Court matters, including non-payment, holdover, and HP proceedings, and in NYCHA administrative proceedings.
Provide legal counsel on Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP, Social Security, Cash Assistance, and other public benefits.
Advocate to maintain and restore critical benefits and services.
Coordinate with courts, government agencies, and service providers.
Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and case conferences.
Work with multidisciplinary teams to balance legal and service needs.
Travel throughout New York City as needed.
Work occasional evenings or extended hours with limited notice.
Perform additional duties as assigned.