Staff Attorney (Civil Law)

Description:

Salary Range:
$90,854.87 To $90,854.87 Annually

Job Code
52

Department Name
Legal Fund Civil Litigation

Reports to:
Supervising Attorneys and the Director of the Legal Services Fund

FLSA Status:
Exempt

Union Code
232

Management:
No

About Us:
Building Services 32BJ Benefit Funds (“the Funds”) is the umbrella organization responsible for administering Health, Pension, Retirement Savings, Training, and Legal Services benefits to over 100,000 SEIU 32BJ members. Our mission is to make significant contributions to the lives of our members by providing high quality benefits and services. Through our commitment, we embody five core values: Flexibility, Initiative, Respect, Sustainability, and Teamwork (FIRST). By following our core values, employees are open to different and new ways of doing things, take active steps to improve the organization, create an environment of trust and respect, approach their work with the intent of a positive outcome, and work collaboratively with colleagues.

The Funds oversees and manages $9 billion of dollars in assets, which are made up of many, varied and complex funds. The dollars come from a number of sources, including the property owners who pay into the funds on behalf of their employees, and as such, requires those who oversee and manage the money to be highly skilled financial management people.

For 2025 and beyond, 32BJ Benefit Funds will continue to drive innovation, equity, and technology insights to further help the lives of our hard-working members and their families. We use cutting edge technology such as: M365, Dynamics 365 CRM, Dynamics 365 F&O, Azure, AWS, SQL, Snowflake, QlikView, and more.

Please take a moment to watch our video to learn more about our culture and contributions to our members: youtu.be/hYNdMGLn19A

Job Summary:
The 32BJ Legal Services Fund provides legal advice and representation to eligible 32BJ members and their dependents. Reporting to the Supervising Attorney and the Deputy Director of the Legal Services Fund, the Staff Attorney will provide legal services to the members of Building Service 32BJ who are eligible under the union's Legal Services Plan.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide legal representation in civil matters, including real estate, bankruptcy and estate planning before courts and related venues
• Engage in client intake, counseling, research, writing, oral and written advocacy and negotiations as a part of legal representation
• Draft pleadings, motions, memoranda of law, discovery requests and responses, and legal correspondence
• Represent clients in court hearings and other venues
• Develop legal strategy, build case theories, conduct research and assemble evidence
• Provide clients with legal advice and guidance
• Conduct case preparation including interviewing, investigation, document review, and witness preparation
• Discuss case progress with supervisors and provide reports summarizing case status
• Maintain ongoing contact with clients, opposing counsel, advisory parties, colleagues and courts through telephonic, electronic and written communication
• Update case files timely, including, file notes, correspondence and file records
• Supervise (work product only) legal assistants, paralegals and legal interns
• Be familiar with substantive and procedural civil law
• Have knowledge of areas covered under the Legal Service Plan
• Maintain confidential materials and information associated with all clients
• Attend member information meetings under the direction of supervisory personnel, including travel as required

Qualifications (Competencies):

• Juris Doctor degree and admission to the New York State Bar
• Strong negotiation, writing, research, analytical, and litigation skills
• Excellent written and oral advocacy skills
• Ability to balance a busy caseload and manage client expectations
• Compassionate approach in working with clients in difficult situations
• Collaborative team player with ability to also work independently
• Ability to electronically file documents and cases with administrative agencies and courts
• Maintain professional appearance, workspace, and demeanor as a representative of the Legal Services Fund
• Analyze complex issues and exercise sound legal judgment, with the assistance and guidance of supervising attorneys
• Ability to appear before courts and agencies and present orally and in writing in an articulate and professional manner
• Outstanding communication, analytical, research and writing skills

Education:
Juris Doctor degree and admission to the New York State Bar

Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment:
The work environment described here is representative of the environment an employee will encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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