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About the Role

Attorneys in the Advocacy Department will implement strategies for impactful advocacy for economic and social justice in a broad range of civil legal issues, addressing deep-seated inequities. The staff attorney will collaborate with other practice areas to identify and challenge systemic civil rights violations and injustices affecting large groups of clients. This role involves centering community, co-creating solutions, providing community legal education, and supporting community-led advocacy efforts. In strategic impact cases, the staff attorney will plan, develop, file, or defend lawsuits that impact more than one individual and aim to change laws or protect rights. The attorney will also utilize litigation, coalition collaboration, white paper drafting, rulemaking participation, and media campaigns to achieve client goals.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute legal strategies in collaboration with the Advocacy Director, other LASNNY staff, and community partners to address systemic issues.
Conduct legal research and provide analysis on complex systemic legal issues.
Identify and work collaboratively with other staff and pro bono co-counsel.
Draft and review pleadings, briefs, motions, memoranda, advocacy letters, and rulemaking comments.
Lead and manage litigation matters from selecting the appropriate plaintiffs/petitioners through trial and/or settlement.
Mentor and co-chair with other practice staff attorneys; ensure team compliance with all deadlines and case requirements.
Take, perfect, and argue appeals on a variety of civil legal matters.
Work collaboratively with LASNNY staff and community-based organizations to identify new advocacy opportunities that address community-identified systemic legal issues and organizational priorities.
Conduct community education, outreach, and build relationships with communities served by LASNNY.
Draft educational materials for media and for the larger community.
Collaborate with the communications team for litigation efforts, client stories, and impact.
Perform other duties as determined by the Advocacy Director.

Requirements

Juris Doctor degree required.
Admitted to the practice of law in the State of New York or eligible for admission.
Admission to the US District Court for the Northern District of New York is a plus.
Minimum 3-5 years of post-admission legal litigation experience.
Willing and able to travel throughout our service area regularly.
New York State Resident with reliable transportation.
Demonstrated commitment to serving low-income populations, social justice and equity.
Training or experience with community lawyering or community organizing with demonstrated strong listening and relationship-building skills.
Experience, creativity, and willingness to use varied legal and non-legal advocacy tools to advance community-identified initiatives.

Skills

Strong legal research skills
Strong legal writing skills
Strong oral advocacy skills
Experience in initiating affirmative litigation in state and/or federal court
Courtroom experience in civil litigation matters
Experience in family/DV law (preferred)
Experience in housing defense (preferred)
Experience in disability rights (preferred)
Experience in public benefits (preferred)
Experience in consumer law (preferred)
Experience in worker rights (preferred)
Experience in other civil rights (preferred)
Appellate practice experience (preferred)
Legislative experience (preferred)
Fluency in a language other than English (Spanish preferred)

Location

Albany Office
Upstate New York

Work Type

Hybrid-remote
Alternative work schedules

Experience Level

3-5 years post-admission legal litigation experience

Education Level

Juris Doctor
Admitted to practice law in New York State

Salary/Compensations

Subject to a negotiated pay scale under the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

Benefits

Generous time off
Excellent health insurance coverage with premiums primarily paid by LASNNY
Health insurance
Long-term disability insurance
Retirement contributions
Tuition reimbursement
Qualifying moving expenses
Flexible hybrid-remote and alternative work schedules

About the Company

Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York is a nonprofit civil legal services program.
Legal Aid's mission is to fight for fairness, dignity, and justice for those living in poverty and for a society that is inclusive and equitable for all.
We transform lives, build communities, and empower people by using the law to address individual and systemic wrongs and inequities.
Our service area spans sixteen counties in upstate New York, encompassing six regional offices.
We are a unionized program.

Equal Opportunity

We value a diverse, inclusive workforce and provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees.
All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual's race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local laws.
We strongly encourage applications from women, BIPOC, LGBTQI+ persons, protected veterans, applicants and recipients of public assistance, older adults, and people with disabilities.
Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
If you are unable to submit your application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at LASNNY and we will reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities to the extent required by applicable law.