Description:
A Non-Profit Organization is seeking a full-time staff attorney to join its Legal Wellness Institute (LWI). LWI promotes health and stability for low-income New Yorkers affected by serious illness and disability by providing representation in a number of practice areas including: (1) Housing Law; (2) Family and Matrimonial Law; (3) Public Benefits and Healthcare Access; (4) Lifetime and Future Planning; and (5) Individual Rights. LWI's holistic, community-centered model is designed to meet the needs of our specific client population. In keeping with our commitment to holistic representation, all LWI attorneys represent clients in all of our practice areas. Work often occurs out-of-office throughout the NYC community, including in clients' homes, hospitals, hospices, and nursing homes, among other locations.While Staff Attorneys are expected to manage individual caseloads, they function as part of a collaborative, close-knit team and receive substantial mentorship and guidance. Staff Attorneys receive extensive orientation, ongoing training and supervision, and many opportunities for professional growth and development. A Non-Profit Organization is committed to supporting staff to do this difficult work well, and encourages work-life balance and self-care.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Advise and represent clients in all of LWI's practice areas and appear in courts and administrative agencies in all five boroughs of NYC
- Manage all facets of client representation including intake and interviews, client meetings, legal research, drafting legal documents, negotiations, hearings, and trials
- Maintain proper case/client files and records, both paper and in our electronic client database; complete documentation as necessary for representation and as required by various funders.
- Participate in ongoing trainings relating to cultural humility and competency, trauma-informed care, and diversity, equity, and inclusion; treat all clients and other third parties with respect and appreciation for diversity; facilitate access and inclusion for clients and others with barriers including disability or language access; act in accordance with principles of cultural humility.
- Create and lead community presentations and legal clinics on various topics at locations throughout NYC.
- Assist with orientation and in-service training of new staff, interns, and volunteers.
- Other duties as assigned
Required Qualifications:
- Juris Doctor
- Must be admitted to the New York State Bar or eligible for admission
- Demonstrated commitment to public service and seeking justice for marginalized communities
- Excellent writing, research, analytical, and organizational skills
- Personal integrity in handling ethically complex and confidential situations
- Trauma-informed and sensitive listening and communication skills
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally in a courtroom setting and in writing
- Ability to work effectively with colleagues and stakeholders in a highly collaborative and multidisciplinary environment
- Willingness to travel throughout NYC to meet with clients, give presentations, and appear in court
Desired Qualifications:
- Experience working with individuals affected by mental and/or physical illness
- Experience in family law, public benefits, housing, or elder law, or other litigation experience
- Fluency in Spanish, preferred
