Job Title: Staff Attorney
Job Responsibilities:
- Advise and represent clients in all practice areas of the Legal Wellness Institute (LWI), which includes Housing Law, Family and Matrimonial Law, Public Benefits and Healthcare Access, Lifetime and Future Planning, and Individual Rights. Representation occurs in courts and administrative agencies across all five boroughs of New York City.
- Manage all aspects of client representation, which involves conducting intake and interviews, holding client meetings, performing legal research, drafting legal documents, and engaging in negotiations, hearings, and trials.
- Maintain accurate case and client files and records, both in paper form and in an electronic client database. Ensure documentation is completed as necessary for representation and in accordance with the requirements set by various funders.
- Participate in ongoing training sessions focused on cultural humility, competency, and trauma-informed care. Treat all clients with respect, fairness, and compassion, and facilitate access for clients facing barriers such as disability or language needs.
- Create and lead community presentations and legal clinics on various topics throughout New York City.
- Assist with the orientation and in-service training of new staff, interns, and volunteers.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Education and Experience Information:
- Required: Juris Doctor degree and admission to the New York State Bar, or eligibility for admission.
- Demonstrated commitment to public service and seeking justice for marginalized communities.
- Excellent writing, research, analytical, and organizational skills.
- Personal integrity in handling ethically complex and confidential situations.
- Trauma-informed and sensitive listening and communication skills.
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally in a courtroom setting and in writing.
- Ability to work effectively with colleagues and stakeholders in a collaborative and multidisciplinary environment.
- Willingness to travel throughout New York City to meet with clients, give presentations, and appear in court.
- Desired: Over 3 years of experience in family law, public benefits, housing, elder law, or other litigation experience is strongly preferred.
- Experience working with individuals affected by mental and/or physical illness.
- Fluency in Spanish is preferred.
Salary Information:
- The starting pay range is $71,000 to $95,000 for those with 0-6 years of experience, with salary commensurate with experience.
Additional Information:
- This is a full-time, exempt, salaried position with core working hours from Monday to Friday, 9:30 am to 5:30 pm, though exact hours may vary.
- The position is eligible for hybrid work.
- The organization offers a highly competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, Long-Term Disability insurance, a 403(b) retirement plan, a pension plan, a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Life Insurance, commuter benefits, a tuition reimbursement program, paid federal holidays, summer Fridays, other early leave days throughout the year, a generous vacation policy, and extensive professional training and development opportunities.
- The organization is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit and is an eligible employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Equal Opportunity:
- The organization is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
