Staff Attorney for the Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York in Albany, New York serving Albany, Rensselaer, Schenectady, Columbia and Greene County Residents
Responsibilities: The attorney will be responsible for implementing LASNNY’s City of Schenectady Attorney for the Day Program. The attorney will provide legal assistance to tenants responding to eviction proceedings in Schenectady City Court three mornings per week. The attorney will provide on the spot advice and legal representation to eligible City of Schenectady tenants in Schenectady City Court and will assist those households outside of court to achieve housing and income stability by securing mainstream income benefits and making referrals to services which will enhance the household’s ability to maintain permanent housing. The attorney will also be expected to provide similar housing and income maintenance legal assistance to eligible at risk households in Schenectady County under the STEHP (Solutions to End Homelessness) program.
Requirements: Admission to New York State Bar. Two to four years’ experience. Must be able to work efficiently and effectively under pressure in the courtroom. Must be intelligent, hardworking, careful, reliable, have good judgment, attention to detail and a demonstrated commitment and sensitivity to the low-income community. Must be able to communicate effectively with clients and staff, work independently and efficiently and be able to problem solve and work collaboratively with community partner agency staff. Knowledge of housing law and public assistance programs strongly preferred. Applicants must demonstrate a strong commitment to helping poor and disadvantaged people overcome barriers to housing and income stability. Training or experience in community lawyering or community organizing or engagement, demonstrated strong listening and relationship building skills, experience, creativity and willingness to use varied legal and non-legal advocacy tools to advance community identified initiatives preferred. Must be willing to travel throughout the 16 county service area, and have a car and a clean valid New York driver’s license. Strong computer, administrative, reporting and data entry skills required. Ability to speak Spanish a plus.
Application Deadline: March 29, 2016
Please use our application process at www.lasnny.org
No applications will be accepted without a cover letter, resume and writing sample