Law Graduate - Eviction Defense Program (EDP)

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION TITLE Law Graduate

PRACTICE AREA / DEPARTMENT Eviction Defense Program (EDP)

OFFICE LOCATION Utica | Oneonta | Binghamton

HOURS 35 hours per week

SALARY $84,240

SUPERVISOR Managing Attorney

POSTING DATE February 13, 2025

APPLICATION DEADLINE Until positions are filled

ABOUT

The Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York, Inc. (LASMNY) is a non-profit public interest law firm. We provide free legal information, advice and representation to people who are unable to afford a lawyer. Our staff provides services in the following, thirteen counties : Broome, Chenango, Cayuga, Cortland, Delaware, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego, and Otsego. In addition, our Agricultural Worker Program (AWP) services the entire New York State.

MISSION STATEMENT

LASMNY’s mission is to provide free legal assistance to low-income people facing civil legal problems that impact the basic needs of life. Through legal advice, emergency legal services and legal representation, we help low-income people stabilize their finances, protect themselves and their children from domestic violence, obtain access to healthcare, avoid homelessness because of wrongful evictions, protect the family home from foreclosure and increase household income. We also target specific vulnerable populations with our services, such as senior citizens, victims of domestic violence, people with disabilities, refugees and immigrants, and veterans.

JOB SUMMARY

The Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York (LASMNY), Inc. is actively seeking a dynamic full-time Law Graduates who will work under the supervision of a Managing Attorney to provide direct and comprehensive services to eligible clients in civil legal matters as assigned. Will verify eligibility information in accordance with our Case Management Policy and priorities for service. Conduct legal research, draft pleadings, legal memoranda, advocacy letters, and other legal papers. Participate in staff and case acceptance meetings and program-wide workgroups. Other duties as assigned. Demonstrates an understanding and commitment to LASMNY’s mission and value of justice.

The following Law Graduate positions, programs and office locations are available for Law Graduate positions :

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Effectively and efficiently communicate with clients / applicants for services over the phone or in-person.
• Interview clients competently and objectively.
• Prepare and file briefs, motions, and other necessary judicial pleadings.
• Independently manage a caseload, including fully litigating assigned cases, when appropriate.
• Accurately and timely record billable time and case notes in our case management system.
• Work professionally and collaboratively with colleagues, judges, opposing counsel, court personnel, community members, etc.
• Show commitment to professional growth in diverse areas of law.
• Engage in outreach and community education.
• Attend and participate in meetings and trainings as requested.
• Comply with all Legal Services Corporation (LSC) and LASMNY policies, procedures, and grant-based reporting requirements.
• Perform reasonable and related duties as assigned by a managing attorney or direct supervisor.

An employment offer is contingent on you passing the New York State (NYS) Bar. Before admission to the NYS Bar, individuals may be able to practice or appear in court as a law graduate without being admitted pursuant to the New York Judiciary Law, Sections 478 and 484. Would go to court with a licensed attorney. Upon admission to the NYS Bar, the individual shall be classified as a staff attorney, Step 0-1 with a starting salary of $86,400 upon the completion date of the swearing in ceremony.

Failure of a law graduate to be admitted to the NYS Bar within eighteen (18) months of date of hire, may or may not, result in loss of employment with LASMNY. There is no reimbursement for costs associated with taking the NYS bar examination for this process.

Benefits

LASMNY offers a generous benefit package with a focus on work-life balance to promote a healthier work-life balance leading to higher productivity, creativity and overall well-being. Most benefits available date of hire. Medical, Vision, Dental, Medical Waiver Program (if eligible), Basic / Voluntary Life Insurance, Health Savings Account, Flexible Savings Accounts, 403(b) plan, Employer Contributing 5% to SEP / IRA account, Mileage Reimbursement, Professional Development, CLE Registration Fees, Attorney Registration Fees, Local & NYS Bar Dues, Vacation, AFLAC, Sick, Personal, Parenthood Leave, Bereavement Leave, Jury Duty, Bar Study Leave, Employee Assistance Plan (EAP), Relocation Assistance, Parking, Loan Repayment / Public Service Loan Forgiveness and (18) paid Holidays.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Click on the following link to apply : https : / / workforcenow.adp.com / mascsr / default / mdf / recruitment / recruitment.html?cid=a870825d -c790-452d-9156-c0139ba5ed5c& ccId=19000101_000001 &type=JS&lang=en_US

LASMNY’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Accessibility (DEIA) Vision Statement

LASMNY is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Our differences fuel excellence and we strive to create an environment where every individual is valued and feels empowered to bring their full, authentic self to work. We are building a community rooted in openness and trust where colleagues have the resources to grow, thrive and fully contribute to achieving equal access to justice.

Equal Opportunity Employer | Affirmative Action Employer

Fighting for Equal Justice for All | Diversity. Equity. Inclusion. Accessibility.

www.lasmny.org