Staff Attorney

Employment Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Exempt

Practice Group: Disability Advocacy Program (DAP)

I. Organization Information

Empire Justice Center, a diverse and highly respected statewide legal services organization, seeks a Staff Attorney for our Disability Advocacy Program. This is an opportunity to join and grow in one of the most influential organizations serving marginalized low-income individuals and families in New York State.

Empire Justice Center attracts and employs a diverse team of dedicated, determined, and passionate advocates who significantly impact the lives of low-income New Yorkers. We succeed through direct legal representation, high-impact litigation, and legislative and administrative advocacy. As an organization, we provide top-notch training and technical assistance to other advocates to ensure fairness and justice for New Yorkers. We thrive on our commitment to supporting justice for populations that have historically experienced high levels of oppression. These populations include racially diverse individuals and families experiencing poverty, housing insecurity, immigration issues, and domestic violence. Additionally, the organization advocates for people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ community, and school-age children facing discrimination and violations of their civil rights in schools.

Our offices in Rochester, Albany, Westchester County, and Long Island offer staff an exciting, dynamic, inclusive working environment with a solid commitment to work/life balance, teamwork, diversity, wellness, and personal/professional development.

II. Position Summary

Empire Justice Center is pleased to announce an opening for a Staff Attorney for our Disability Advocacy Program. This position will provide direct representation to low-income individuals with disabilities in Monroe County whose claims for federal disability benefits (SSI and SSD) have been denied or whose federal disability benefits are being terminated. The DAP Staff Attorney represents clients at administrative hearings and appeals before the Social Security Administration.

III. Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Travel to and work in the Rochester Telesca Center is required to meet client and organizational needs.

      o This position is eligible for a hybrid work request under the organizational policy.

• Must demonstrate high comfort and commitment to working with disadvantaged and disabled clientele.

• Developing an in-depth knowledge of Social Security disability law, policy, and procedures;

• Screening potential clients, conducting intakes, and, in coordination with other staff, reviewing new matters for case acceptance;

• Representing claimants at administrative hearings and appeals before the Social Security Administration;

• Interviewing clients and providing legal advice about the Social Security appeals process;

• Maintaining professional, compassionate, and effective relationships with clients;

• Analyzing legal issues through review of documents, client meetings, and legal research;

• Developing medical and other evidence

• Advocating for clients before the Social Security Administration and other agencies involved in the disability appeals process;

• Engaging in hearing advocacy through oral argument, direct and cross-examination, and introduction of evidence;

• Preparing written memoranda;

• Preparing outreach materials and participating in community outreach;

• Attending and participating in continuing legal education events relevant to Social Security disability appeals;

• Keeping accurate case and time records in the case management system.

• Participate in federal district court litigation, as needed;

• Due to limited resources, all staff are expected to perform administrative and other support-related duties to serve our clients and fulfill our mission as a non-profit legal services organization.

• Other duties as assigned by your supervisor and/or to meet the organization’s needs.

IV. Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

• Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited US law school or international equivalent;

      o Admission to practice in New York State and good standing or admission pending;

• At least 0-2 years of professional experience (law graduates may be considered);

• Experience in and commitment to working with diverse and impoverished clientele;

• Ability to work and collaborate with a team;

• Experience with advocacy preferred;

• Excellent legal research and writing skills

• Excellent communication skills;

• Demonstrated commitment to improving the lives and circumstances of those who have experienced poverty and discrimination;

• Effective decision-making skills and the ability to work under pressure and to shift priorities

while working on multiple competing projects and deadlines;

• Organizational skills;