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JOB ANNOUNCEMENT:
STAFF ATTORNEY
PRIVATE ATTORNEY
INVOLVEMENT (PAI) DIRECTOR
Albany Office - 95 Central Ave.
The Private Attorney
Involvement Program: The Legal Aid Society is a not-for-profit law firm for
low income 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, the PAI Program is
an essential component of the Legal Aid Society. Through this program, several hundred
volunteer private attorneys take case referrals 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: Ensure that the PAI program operates in a
productive and efficient manner to best meet the needs of our clients and
attorney volunteers. Make case referrals
to private attorneys who are on the volunteer panel. Maintain regular contact with PAI attorneys
and their referred clients to ensure that the case is moving forward and also
to obtain necessary information at the case's completion. Substantial administrative responsibilities
to support the program, including maintaining statistical records for purposes of
CLE and grant reporting; preparing data for grant reporting; obtain feedback
from clients and volunteers in order to improve operations. Lead in the recruitment of new panelists and
expansion of the PAI program, as well as cultivate and maintain relationships
with existing volunteers. Supervise the
PAI Coordinators and part-time PAI paralegal in all administrative aspects of
his or her work, and assist in their evaluations. Work with LASNNY staff regarding program
collaborations and referrals. Teach a
monthly clinic to clients. Nurture
relationships with local bar associations, other pro bono providers, and
judicial personnel. Must participate in
evening bar association and pro bono activities, the frequency of which varies
depending on the season. Promote PAI and
LASNNY as a whole, which requires occasional public speaking. Write column in LASNNY publications as well
as outside publications tailored to pro bono and civil legal services
delivery. Prepare nomination packages
for outstanding volunteers for local, statewide, and national pro bono
awards. Attend statewide and national
conferences in order to adapt the PAI program to the ever-evolving needs of
clients and volunteers alike.
Qualifications: Juris Doctor from an accredited institution. Minimum
4 years' relevant experience. Must have
demonstrated commitment to public interest law, and be passionate about
providing pro bono services to low-income clients. Experience must include two years' experience
in a relevant area of law, e.g., family law and matrimonial, bankruptcy, or
housing. Must be proficient in using online legal databases. Must be able to work independently and as
part of a team, as well as build a strong PAI team. Ability to speak Spanish is
a plus.
Salary: Up to $59,700 depending on experience. We are a unionized
program and offer excellent fringe benefits.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: January
31, 2020
No
application will be accepted without a cover letter, resume, and writing sample.
To apply, please go to www.lasnny.org/employment/ or
Complete the Application
linked here, or the mobile-friendly
application linked here
We
are Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Minorities, women, the
elderly, LGBT persons, Protected Veterans and people with disabilities are
strongly encouraged to apply.
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