Staff Attorney - Foreclosure Prevention

Position Title                                                                   Staff Attorney

Practice Area/Department                                          Foreclosure Prevention

Office Location                                                               Oswego, Syracuse, or Watertown, NY

Salary Range                                                                   $70,000 - $100,540 (DOE)

Supervisor                                                                       Managing Attorney

Posting Date                                                                    November 1, 2024

Application Deadline                                                     Position open until filled 

ABOUT 

The Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York, Inc. (LASMNY) is a non-profit public interest law firm. We provide free legal information, advice and representation to people who are unable to afford a lawyer. Our staff provides services in the following, thirteen counties: Broome, Chenango, Cayuga, Cortland, Delaware, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego, and Otsego. In addition, our Agricultural Worker Program services the entire New York State. 

MISSION STATEMENT

LASMNY’s mission is to provide free legal assistance to low-income people facing civil legal problems that impact the basic needs of life. Through legal advice, emergency legal services and legal representation, we help low-income people stabilize their finances, protect themselves and their children from domestic violence, obtain access to healthcare, avoid homelessness as a result of wrongful evictions, protect the family home from foreclosure and increase household income. We also target specific vulnerable populations with our services, such as senior citizens, victims of domestic violence, people with disabilities, refugees and immigrants, and veterans.

JOB SUMMARY

The Staff Attorney will conduct legal research; draft pleadings, legal memoranda, advocacy letters, and other legal papers; litigate all phases of foreclosure defense cases, including handling settlement conferences, engaging in motion practice, conducting trials, writing, and arguing appeals, and filing complaints; negotiate mortgage loan modifications and work with mortgage servicers; and provide other legal services as appropriate. May provide assistance with bankruptcy when necessary. Demonstrates an understanding and commitment to LASMNY’s mission and value of justice. The work performed will be serving our clients located in Jefferson County. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Effectively and efficiently communicate with clients/applicants for services over the phone or in person.
• Interview clients competently and objectively.
• Deliver quality legal services by providing legal advice and representation in civil cases to eligible individuals.
• Prepare and file briefs, motions, and other necessary judicial pleadings.
• Independently manage a caseload, including fully litigating assigned cases, when appropriate.
• Accurately and timely record billable time and case notes in our case management system. 
• Work professionally and collaboratively with colleagues, judges, opposing counsel, court personnel, community members, etc.
• Show commitment to professional growth in diverse areas of law.
• Keep up with knowledge of legal developments including completion of Continuing Legal Education courses.
• Engage in outreach and community education.
• Attend and participate in meetings and trainings as required.
• Regular and predictable attendance.
• Comply with all Legal Services Corporation and LASMNY policies, procedures, to include but not limited to the Case Management Policy and grant based reporting requirements.
• Perform responsibilities and duties based upon department needs and requirements as assigned by the supervisor.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Law degree from an accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice in NYS or eligible for admission on motion.
• Prior legal services, trial and litigation experience preferred.
• Demonstrated commitment to serving indigent community members preferred.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office or related software and computerized legal research.
• Fluency in other languages a plus.

APPLICATION PROCESS 

jobs@lasmny.org

LASMNY’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Vision Statement

LASMNY is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our differences fuel excellence and we strive to create an environment where every individual is valued and feels empowered to bring their full, authentic self to work. We are building a community rooted in openness and trust where colleagues have the resources to grow, thrive and fully contribute to achieving equal access to justice.

Equal Opportunity Employer | Affirmative Action Employer

Fighting for Equal Justice for All | Diversity.Equity.Inclusion

Visit www.lasmny.org