About the Role
The Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York (LASNNY) is seeking a Staff Attorney for a dual-program role serving members of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe and veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness. This position offers a unique opportunity to provide civil legal services to two distinct communities with deep histories and specific needs, requiring skill, cultural humility, and genuine care. The role involves regular in-person presence on the Akwesasne territory and collaboration with various service providers.
Responsibilities
- Provide civil legal advice and representation to tribal members and residents of Akwesasne in matters including housing, family law, public benefits, consumer law, and other civil legal needs.
- Maintain a regular in-person presence on the Akwesasne territory to conduct client meetings, intake, and outreach.
- Build and sustain relationships with tribal staff, leadership, and community partners in a manner consistent with cultural protocols and community norms.
- Participate in SRMT community events, client education workshops, and outreach activities.
- Handle matters in New York State courts and other applicable forums.
- Maintain accurate case records and documentation in LegalServer in accordance with program and grant requirements.
- Provide civil legal services to veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness, including representation in eviction proceedings, landlord-tenant disputes, public benefits matters, family law, and other civil legal emergencies.
- Identify and address legal barriers to housing stability, including consumer debt, outstanding warrants, driver's license reinstatement, military discharge upgrades, and protective orders.
- Conduct intake and outreach at VA medical facilities, veteran service organizations, homeless service providers, and other community partner sites.
- Collaborate with VA case managers, social workers, and other service providers as part of an interdisciplinary support team.
- Maintain grant-compliant documentation and contribute to required LSV-H reporting and data collection.
- Actively support program visibility and referral-building through community engagement and outreach.
Requirements
- Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school.
- Active admission to the New York State Bar, or eligibility for admission.
- A genuine and demonstrated commitment to public interest law and to the communities we serve.
- Ability to work effectively and compassionately with individuals experiencing housing instability, poverty, trauma, or complex life circumstances.
- Strong written and oral advocacy skills.
- Capacity to manage a varied caseload with thoughtfulness, organization, and care.
Skills
- Housing/eviction defense
- Family law
- Public benefits
- Consumer law
- Veterans' benefits
- Working with Native American communities
- Understanding of Tribal culture, governance, and sovereignty
- Serving veterans
- Familiarity with VA systems and veteran-specific legal issues
- LegalServer or comparable case management platform
- Bilingual skills
Location
- Canton, NY
- Akwesasne territory
Work Type
- In-person presence required
- Full-time
Experience Level
- Steps 2-10 (based on experience)
Education Level
- Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school
- Active admission to the New York State Bar
Salary/Compensations
- $75,237 - $93,914 (Steps 2-10, 2025 scale)
Benefits
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
- Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays
- New York State retirement program participation
- Employer-paid life insurance
- Ongoing professional development support and CLE funding
- Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
About the Company
- Founded in 1923, LASNNY has spent more than a century standing with the people of northeastern New York when they need legal help most.
- We provide no-cost civil legal services to income-eligible individuals and families across 16 counties through six regional offices: Albany, Amsterdam, Canton, Gloversville, Plattsburgh, and Saratoga Springs.
- Our work spans housing, family law, public benefits, immigration, elder law, consumer protection, and more.
- We are proud to be an organization where lawyers build careers, not just resumes.
- Our staff are deeply committed to each other and to the people they serve, and we work hard to foster a culture that reflects that.
Equal Opportunity
- LASNNY is an equal opportunity employer.
- We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team, and we welcome applicants of all backgrounds.
- Lived experience relevant to the populations we serve is valued.
