Closing Date: 31st March, 2026
Description:
Employment Opportunity Announcement State of New York Unified Court SystemAnnouncement No. 52612
The Appellate Division, Second Judicial Department, is Currently Seeking Applications for an Attorney in the Court's Mental Hygiene Legal Service. the Position Will Be Filled in One of the Following Titles Dependent Upon the Qualifications and Experience of the Applicant Selected. Applicants Should Specify the Position Title Or Titles for Which They Wish to Be Considered.
Position Title: Attorney JG: 23
Base Salary: $84,659 + $2,460 Location Pay
Qualifications: Admission to the New York State bar or Graduation from an accredited law school and admission to the New York State Bar within 18 months of appointment. DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF WORK: Under direct supervision, Attorneys serve in a confidential capacity and research legal questions and issues, prepare cases for administrative proceedings and litigation in the courts, and perform other related duties. Attorneys provide legal research and advocacy services in the Mental Hygiene Legal Services, attorney disciplinary committees, 18B panel administration, or other such units.
Position Title: Senior Attorney Jg: 26
Base Salary: $99,490 + $2,460 Location Pay
Qualifications: Admission to the New York State bar and two (2) years of service in the Attorney title; or equivalent legal experience. DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF WORK: With substantial independence from supervision, Senior Attorneys serve in a confidential capacity and research legal questions and issues, organize investigations, prepare and present cases before administrative tribunals and courts, and perform other related duties. Senior Attorneys provide legal research and advocacy services in the Mental Hygiene Legal Services, attorney disciplinary committees, 18B panel administration, or other such units. They may also oversee a departmental law guardian program.
Position Title: Associate Attorney Jg: 28
Base Salary: $110,853 + $2,460 Location Pay
Qualifications: Admission to the New York State Bar and two (2) years of service in the Senior Attorney title; or Equivalent legal experience.DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF WORK: Associate Attorneys serve in a confidential capacity and research legal questions and issues, organize complex investigations, prepare and present complex cases before administrative tribunals and trial and appellate courts, and perform other related duties. Associate Attorneys provide legal research and advocacy services in the Mental Hygiene Legal Services, attorney disciplinary committees, 18B panel administration, or other such units. They may also oversee a departmental law guardian program.
Location: Mental Hygiene Legal Service Poughkeepsie, Dutchess County
Classification: Non-Competitive/confidential
Assignment: The Mental Hygiene Legal Service ("MHLS") provides legal representation and advocacy to individuals with mental and developmental disabilities, and those alleged to be in need of mental health services, in legal matters including civil and criminal commitment, treatment over objection, guardianship, sex offender civil management, and assisted outpatient treatment. MHLS attorneys regularly appear in the New York courts in cases concerning involuntary hospitalization and psychiatric treatment. Attorneys also frequently engage in fieldwork, including meeting with clients at psychiatric hospitals, prisons, other facilities or private residences. MHLS attorneys advocate informally on behalf of clients in hospital and residential settings and represent them at administrative hearings. MHLS attorneys handle all aspects of civil litigation, from discovery management through bench and jury trials as well as hearings before the NYS Supreme Court. MHLS attorneys also manage client interviews, expert witness testimony, legal research and motion practice. In addition, this position offers attorneys the opportunity to represent clients in complex cases brought under the New York State Sexual Offender Management and Treatment Act. Some litigation experience is preferred but not required. A valid driver license and car are required.
General Information: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this title. They do not include all job duties performed by employees in the title, and every position does not necessarily require these duties. Although a position is available and situated at a specific location, the appointee may be subject to reassignment to any position in the same title in this promotion unit dependent upon the needs of the Unified Court System. All applications received from this announcement may be used to fill any vacancies in this title that may occur in this court or agency within the next six (6) months. Position(s) available at the present time: 1.
Application Procedures: All interested persons meeting the minimum qualifications are encouraged to submit a UCS-5 Application for Employment form (obtainable from any administrative office in a court building or on the web at www.nycourts.gov/careers/UCS5.pdf) and a resume and cover letter.
Applicants Are Encouraged to Complete the Equal Employment Opportunity Data Collection Form.
Posting Date: March 3, 2026
Applications Must Be Postmarked Or Received By: March 31, 2026
The New York State Unified Court System is an equal opportunity employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender (including pregnancy and gender identity or expression), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, membership in an employee organization, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.
