Community Economic Development Staff Attorney

Position: Community Economic Development Staff Attorney position for Legal Services of Central New York, Inc. (LSCNY) in the Syracuse office.

Background: The LSCNY Community Counsel Project fosters economic development and asset building in communities in our service area. The Project supports community-based organizations and leaders in low-income areas seeking to (1) expand employment opportunity through job creation, transportation, and child care, (2) increase the supply of quality, affordable housing, (3) direct private investment into low-income communities, (4) build strong and sustainable community institutions, (5) developing community leaders, and (6) improve the quality of life for low-income residents by creating conditions under which the community can participate in the advantages of an economically viable area.

       The Project assists community leaders challenge poverty and inequity resulting from not only the lack of local economic investment, but public policy decisions that have significantly contributed to the degradation of low-income      neighborhoods.

       The Project is staffed by two attorneys and a community organizer. The position requires travel in our 13 county service area and working with community organizations and leaders outside business hours.

Responsibilities: The following is a summary of the array of legal services offered by the Project:

Advising on the formation and structure of organizations, including nonprofit and cooperative corporations;

Drafting certificates of incorporation, by-laws, operating agreements, and other governance documents;

Obtaining and maintaining nonprofit tax status;

Advising and representing on compliance with state and federal reporting requirements;

Drafting, negotiating, and reviewing contracts, leases, purchase and sale agreements and other agreements with third parties;

Advising or directly representing on government regulatory matters such as licenses, permits, zoning, and land use matters;

Advising and representing on corporate matters, such as employee issues; and

Advising on and negotiating community benefits agreements with developers of large for-profit projects.

The position offers a unique opportunity to engage in different areas of the law while building collaborative relationships with local community based organizations. The attorney will also be expected to contribute to discussions regarding program development and grant development to maximize opportunities to help communities served.

Qualifications:

        Admission to the bar of the State of New York or eligible for admission.

        Three years of experience as a lawyer; prior transactional work preferred.

        Excellent transactional, analytical, legal writing, and advocacy skills.

        Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.

        Effective communication skills, including the ability to work with people in complex multi-party transactions and with nascent community groups with limited legal knowledge.

        Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

        Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate with individuals from diverse backgrounds and local organizations.

Closing date: Closing date for applications is December 15, 2017 or when filled.

Salary/Benefits:  D.O.E.; excellent benefits.

Application:  Send or email a cover letter addressing specific qualifications and interests, resume, writing sample, and three references to: