Managing Attorney – Full Time
Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York, Inc. – New Paltz Office
Farmworker Law Project (FLP)
The Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York (LASMNY), Inc. is committed to a diverse, well balanced and inclusive workforce. We strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds and walks of life to apply for our positions. Women, people of color, LGBTQ people, veterans and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Position - The Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York, Inc. (LASMNY) is actively seeking a Managing Attorney for its Farmworker Law Project (FLP) located in New Paltz, New York. The New Paltz office represents migrant and seasonal farm, nursery and food processing workers across New York State.
Location - The office is located in the college town of New Paltz in the Hudson Valley near the Catskill Mountains, an area known for hiking, biking, rock climbing and boating, as well as thriving arts, restaurants and other recreational opportunities. Public transportation is available to New York City, which is less than 90 miles away.
Description of Program - FLP is a statewide project of LASMNY representing migrant and seasonal workers across New York, which ranks 10th nationwide for number of farmworkers and 10th for number of H-2A workers. FLP’s legal practice focuses on employment, wages and working conditions, housing conditions and evictions, civil rights, discrimination and other status issues, and limited immigration practice. FLP collaborates with legal and service providers on issues of taxes and access to New York’s generous ACA health insurance programs that are available to farmworkers.
FLP and LASMNY are funded by the Legal Services Corporation. LASMNY provides comprehensive civil legal services to low income residents of the following counties: Broome, Chenango, Cayuga, Cortland, Delaware, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego and Otsego. FLP operates statewide from the New Paltz office.
Essential Job Functions – Managing Attorney will supervise FLP’s staff which currently consists of a staff attorney, two paralegals and an office administrator. Represent farmworkers in federal and state courts and before administrative agencies in program priority areas. Manage the community based education program. Will provide outreach to migrant labor camps with required overnight travel and collaboration with legal and service agencies. Oversees FLP’s compliance with all requirements of FLP’s funding sources including the Legal Services Corporation.
Job Qualifications - Our ideal applicant will demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to LASMNY’s mission and value of justice. Must be admitted to the New York State Bar. Three to five years of experience in employment, immigration and immigrant rights law (preferably in farmworker law, including knowledge of FLSA, AWPA, and H-2A law). Will have the knowledge and understanding of the legal problems and needs of the poor. Excellent legal skills including litigation experience. Ability to speak and write Spanish preferred. Proficient with Microsoft Office and database management. Supervisory experience. Valid NYS Driver’s License.
For consideration, applicants will provide a cover letter, resume, writing sample and contact information for professional references at [email protected].