Description:
II. Position SummaryThe Empire Justice Center is pleased to announce an opening for a full-time Staff Attorney position in our new Education Debt Consumer Assistance Program (EDCAP). The Staff Attorney will work closely with a Senior Attorney managing the program and the Student Debt Counselor to assist with the development of a new project and provide direct legal representation in court and administrative proceedings to individuals with student debt. The position will also include providing training, technical assistance, and support to EDCAP student debt counselors in other programs throughout New York State.
III. Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Providing information and advice to student loan borrowers based on their specific circumstances.
- Helping student loan borrowers apply for relief through cancellation, forgiveness, or discharge programs.
- Representing student debt borrowers in court and administrative proceedings.
- Providing training, technical assistance, and support to EDCAP student debt counselors throughout New York State.
- Working within a team and collaborating with partners to identify issues and trends and contributing to policy advocacy.
- Other duties and responsibilities as assigned by your supervisor and/or to meet the needs of the organization.
IV. Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)
- Strong writing skills.
- Strong interest in client work.
- Admission to New York State Bar.
- 1-13 years of experience as an attorney.
- Preferably, at least 3 years of litigation experience.
- Knowledge of or interest in student loan work is preferred.
- Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and a sense of teamwork.
- Excellent communication and advocacy skills, including speaking before lawmakers and judges.
- A demonstrated passion for social justice and commitment to working with low-income communities and communities of color to advance racial and economic equity.
