Easter Seals Jobs

POSITION TITLE Supervising Attorney

PRACTICE AREA/DEPARTMENT Disability Advocacy Program (DAP)

OFFICE LOCATION Utica, Syracuse, Binghamton, Oswego, Oneonta, Watertown

SALARY RANGE $80,450 - $105,540

SUPERVISOR Deputy Director of Litigation Services

POSTING DATE October 25, 2024

APPLICATION DEADLINE Until Position is 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 services the entire New York State. Visit us at www.lasmny.org

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 as a result 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 Supervising Attorney, under the direction of the Deputy Director for Litigation Services, provides leadership and supervision in supplying comprehensive legal services to eligible clients.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Supervise and provide support to attorneys and paralegal advocates assisting individuals with obtaining, maintaining, and transitioning from federal disability benefits (i.e., Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits).

• Provide respectful culturally competent legal services to low-income clients and client groups including advice, negotiation, litigation, and administrative advocacy.

• Prepare and file pleadings, motions, briefs, and other legal documents.

• Independently manage a caseload.

• Actively engage in learning and becoming increasingly skilled in supervision that supports this vision.

• Manage multiple tasks and deadlines while supervising caseload of supervisees and coordinate the periodic review of cases.

• Identify leadership development and mentoring opportunities for supervisees and train less experienced attorneys, paralegals, and/or other staff in their pursuit of career advancement.

• Build relationships and collaborate with human services providers, non-profit organizations, community groups, and impacted community members as well as the courts, administrative tribunals, and the private bar to address legal problems within our community.

• Take responsibility for proper grant management requirements, program reporting, timekeeping, file maintenance, case closing, and compliance review.

• Maintain accurate records and statistics for the coordination of timely reports.

• Accurately and timely record time and case notes in our case management system.

• Show commitment to professional growth in diverse areas of law.

• Maintain a high level of professional competence through attendance of training sessions, seminars and conferences and individual efforts to keep abreast of current developments in the area of poverty law and the application of an equity lens to client service.

• Keep up with knowledge of legal developments including completion of Continuing Legal Education courses.

• Engage in outreach and education efforts to reach community members, advocates, and service providers.

• Occasional travel to various courts within service area and between LASMNY offices.

• Create and maintain a safe and healthy work environment for supervisees.

• Attend and participate in meetings and trainings as required.

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as requested to meet the ongoing needs of the agency.

• Regular and predictable attendance.

• Comply with all Legal Services Corporation and LASMNY regulations, policies, and procedures, to include but not limited to the Case Management Policy and grant based reporting requirements.

• Perform responsibilities and duties based upon department needs and requirements as assigned by the supervisor.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Law degree from an accredited law school.

• Licensed to practice in NYS or eligible for admission on motion.

• Northern District of New York admission preferred.

• Minimum of three (3) years of legal experience required.

• Will possess a strong understanding of how civil legal issues affecting low-income communities intersect with social and economic justice.

• Substantive experience in legal issues affecting low-income tenants.

• Experience supervising staff, including attorneys, paralegals, and support staff, is preferred.

• Proficient with Microsoft Office or related software and computerized legal research.

• Fluency in other languages a plus.

• Valid NYS Driver’s License or ability to obtain one if required.

BENEFITS

LASMNY offers a generous benefit package! 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), Employer Contributing SEP/IRA, Mileage Reimbursement, Professional Development, CLE Registration Fees, Attorney Registration Fees, Local & NYS Bar Dues, Vacation, Sick, Personal, Parental Leave, Bereavement Leave, Jury Duty, Bar Exam Leave, Employee Assistance Plan, Relocation Assistance, Parking, Loan Repayment/Public Service Loan Forgiveness and (14) Holidays.

APPLICATION PROCESS

We encourage interested, qualified candidates to apply for this position by sending a cover letter, writing sample, resume, and three (3) professional references to jobs@lasmny.org

LASMNY’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Vision Statement

The Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York, Inc. (LASMNY) is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. 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