Temp-to-Perm Staff Attorney, Veterans Practice

NYLAG•New York, NY

1d•$90,262 - $96,436•Hybrid

About The Position

NYLAG seeks a highly motivated staff attorney to assist New York City veterans with applications to Department of Defense Discharge Review Boards and Boards for Correction of Military/Naval Records, and with VA Disability Benefit claims and appeals. The attorney will conduct outreach, prepare comprehensive applications, appear before administrative boards, and provide community and professional presentations on military and veteran law topics. The attorney will also provide holistic assistance to veterans experiencing housing insecurity, including connections to public benefits and resources, as well as legal advice and assistance. The role is temporary through December 2027, with the potential to transition to a permanent role focused on helping low-income veterans achieve financial stability and housing security, contingent on securing further grant funding. NYLAG is a civil legal services organization providing free legal services, financial empowerment, impact litigation, policy advocacy, and community partnerships. It serves people experiencing poverty or crisis at more than 150 community sites and through its Mobile Legal Help Center. NYLAG reports a staff of 410 and nearly 129,000 people served last year. The position follows a hybrid work policy: most staff are required to work in NYLAG offices or perform other in-person work at least two days each week; the policy may change. Employees must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 unless an approved medical or religious exemption applies.

Requirements

Excellent communication, research, and writing skills.
Strong organizational and administrative skills.
Experience working with diverse populations.
Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work independently.
Commitment to social justice and veterans’ issues.
Full COVID-19 vaccination, unless a medical or religious exemption is approved.

Nice To Haves

Admission to the New York Bar, passage of a recent New York Bar Exam, or equivalent.
Experience with veterans law, public benefits, or housing advocacy.
Veteran status and/or prior experience assisting veterans.

Responsibilities

Provide direct representation to veteran clients, including counseling, investigation, research, drafting, and preparation of applications and appeals involving veterans law, public benefits, and housing.
Conduct extensive screenings and assist clients with alternative methods of relief and benefit access.
Update NYLAG case management systems, maintain and update files and case notes, and assist with grant reporting as needed.
Conduct outreach across New York City to address barriers to accessing services.
Make internal and external referrals to connect clients with legal and social services.
Represent NYLAG at advocate meetings and community events.
Work with and mentor pro bono attorneys, volunteers, and law students working with NYLAG.
Conduct trainings for community-based organizations, local agencies, and other advocates on related substantive matters.
Attend internal staff meetings and meetings with partner agencies and funders as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Conduct outreach, prepare applications, and appear before administrative boards concerning military records and veterans benefits.
Provide community and professional presentations on military and veteran law topics.
Assist veterans experiencing housing insecurity with connections to public benefits and resources, and provide legal advice and assistance.