Staff Attorney - Housing Justice Clinic

Description:

Albany Law School seeks a Staff Attorney to join the newly created Housing Justice Clinic (HJC) at The Edward P. Swyer Justice Center. The successful candidate will be appointed as an Associate Staff Attorney, Staff Attorney or Senior Staff Attorney, depending on years of experience. The Housing Justice Clinic, set to launch for the spring 2026 school semester, will provide crucial legal services to individuals facing eviction in Albany City Court. As the clinic evolves legal representation will expand to other communities throughout the Capital Region. Powered by the talent and dedication of its students, the HJC will provide direct representation to tenants facing nonpayment of rent and holdover proceedings. However, the scope of clinical practice will expand as the clinic evolves. The HJC will also provide administrative advocacy for clients, while also supporting collaborative, community-driven information sessions within the city of Albany and eventually beyond.

Essential Job Functions:

• Under the supervision of the Director, manages HJC's docket of ongoing client matters, including representing clinic clients (provides primary representation on all non-student matters and coverage for all matters over breaks); providing technical assistance; and conducting community education and outreach.
• In collaboration with the Director, assists with development of clinic projects and client matters, including conducting legal intakes and consultations; assisting with out of court advocacy when appropriate; providing referrals; attending meetings and collaborating with internal and external partners.
• Facilitate ongoing HJC administration, including primary responsibility for developing and maintaining relevant clinic files; documenting client matters, outreach initiatives, and projects; creating and updating administrative policy and procedure documentation and clinic manuals.
• At the Director's discretion, provides supervision for clinic students on client matters and clinic projects by supporting students with tasks related to legal research and writing; case planning and management; case investigation; gathering evidence; preparing and submitting filings; preparing for court appearances; and counseling clients.
• As supervised by the Director, assists with clinic seminar administration such as the development and maintenance of clinic manuals; updating and maintaining online learning management system when necessary; scheduling and coordinating guest speakers; and, at the Director's discretion, may provide limited classroom instruction.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent legal research, analysis, and writing
• Excellent attention to detail
• Excellent organization and time-management skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication
• Excellent client counseling skills
• Proficiency with legal case management systems (LegalServer or similar), legal research tools including LexisNexis and Westlaw, and Microsoft Office Suite
• Commitment to tenants' rights

Qualifications:

• JD or LLM from an ABA approved law school
• Admission to NY bar
• Two or more years of practical legal experience with Housing Law/Eviction Defense. Experience in the Capital Region with a focus on Albany City Court preferred.
• Valid driver's license
• Fluency in Spanish, French, or other language – in addition to English – preferred

Compensation:
The estimated salary range for this position is $75,000-$95,000 per year. The salary offered will be based on the successful candidate's relevant experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, and in consideration of internal equity. We offer a comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental and vision insurance, employer paid disability and life insurance coverage, 5% retirement contribution, CDTA bus pass, and generous time off.

Application Instructions:

• Cover letter
• Resume/curriculum vitae
• Writing sample of no more than 10 pages that accurately reflects the applicant's independent legal research, analysis, and writing capabilities (identify any external support received, including any assistance with research, editing, or more general feedback)
• Contact information for at least three professional references.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and interested applicants are encouraged to apply early. The successful candidate will ideally start by February.

Albany Law School is committed to ensuring equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in all of its employment practices, without regard to race, color, sex, pregnancy, religion, creed, national origin (including ancestry), citizenship status, physical or mental disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, status as transgender or gender transitioning, veteran or military status (including special disabled veteran, Vietnam-era veteran, or recently separated veteran), predisposing genetic characteristics, domestic violence victim status, or any other protected category under applicable local, state, or federal law. This position is offered subject to this commitment, and candidates will be considered on the basis of merit, ability, and valid job qualifications without regard to the aforementioned characteristics.

Celebrating its 175th Anniversary, Albany Law School is located in the heart of New York's capital, which offers unparalleled access to state and federal courts, the legislature, and a wide range of private and public employers. Join us in continuing a tradition that has produced leaders in all areas of the legal profession, across every area of law, public service, and government including two U.S. Supreme Court Justices and a President of the United States.

Apply now to be part of Albany Law's next chapter of excellence.

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