THE PRIVATE ATTORNEY INVOLVEMENT PROGRAM: The Legal Aid Society is a not-for-profit law firm for poor people that covers 16 counties in northeastern New York. We have a full-time legal staff that handles civil cases in certain areas of the law, but the demand for our services is heavy, and exceeds the assistance which our in-house staff is able to provide. Therefore, we have a panel of several hundred volunteer private attorneys who take referrals from Legal Aid without charge to eligible clients. The types of cases we refer include housing, bankruptcy, divorce, custody and support, SSI, unemployment insurance benefits, transgender name changes, wills, healthcare proxies, and powers of attorney, among others.
RESPONSIBILITIES: Responsibilities will include: Assisting the PAI Director with the implementation of said Program for The Legal Aid Society’s 16 county service area as follows: screen clients for eligibility pursuant to grant and program guidelines; refer clients to private attorneys; follow-up on the status of case referrals; perform administrative and clerical functions; prepare files for, and attend the numerous pro se divorce clinics which occur throughout the service area; assist with the screening for and attendance at the Assigned Counsel Program clinic; assist in the recruitment of new attorneys to the volunteer panel; prepare articles/newsletters; assist with trainings; attend evening events in order to recruit new and maintain relationships with existing volunteer attorneys; assist in the preparation of required reports.
QUALIFICATIONS: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Detail-oriented, reliable, flexible, excellent writing skills. Motivated and able to work both independently and as part of a team. Ability to work some evening events. Ability to network with community partners, attorneys, and judges. Must have a car and clean drivers’ license. Must have Notary Public license. Ability to speak Spanish a plus.
The position will begin in our Saratoga Springs office, but will move to our Albany office in the Spring of 2017.
QUALIFICATIONS: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Detail-oriented, reliable, flexible, excellent writing skills. Motivated and able to work both independently and as part of a team. Ability to work some evening events. Ability to network with community partners, attorneys, and judges. Must have a car and clean drivers’ license. Must have Notary Public license. Ability to speak Spanish a plus.
Application Deadline: September 7, 2016
No application will be accepted without a cover letter and resume
To apply, please go to www.lasnny.org or
1) Complete the Application linked here, or the mobile-friendly application linked here
2) Complete the Demographic Survey linked here
We are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Minorities, women, the elderly, applicants and recipients of public assistance, LGBT persons and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.