About NYLAG
Founded in 1990, the New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) is a leading not-for-profit civil legal services organization advocating for adults, children, and families that are experiencing poverty or have low income. We tackle the legal challenges and systematic barriers that threaten our clients’ economic stability, well-being, and safety. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and constantly improving how we respond to systemic issues of racism that affect our clients in their pursuit of justice. We address emerging and urgent needs with comprehensive, free civil legal services, direct representation, impact litigation, policy advocacy, financial counseling, medical-legal partnerships, and community education and partnerships. Last year, we affected the lives of 90,800 people.
Mission
The New York Legal Assistance Group uses the power of the law to help New Yorkers in need combat social and economic injustice. We address emerging and urgent legal needs with comprehensive, free civil legal services, impact litigation, policy advocacy, and community education.
Values that guide us
- We reduce the effects of poverty by providing high quality, effective civil legal services.
- We partner with our clients to help them transform their lives and strengthen their communities.
- We address our clients’ multiple legal needs by collaborating across our practice areas.
- We are at the forefront of identifying and understanding New Yorkers’ most pressing legal needs, rapidly adapting to meet these needs with innovative programs and partnerships.
- We assess need broadly, recognizing that need is not a function of income alone.
- We collaborate with community organizations and engage pro bono attorneys and volunteers to serve a greater number of people with unmet civil legal needs.
- We achieve systemic change through class actions, impact litigation and by advocating for just laws and policies.
- We work to create a welcoming and inclusive work environment that reflects the communities we serve.
- We teach and train the next generation of legal service professionals.
Job Description:
NYLAG seeks a highly motivated and experienced staff attorney to assist clients with a wide variety of planning instruments, including Medical Advance Directives, Powers of Attorney and Last Will and Testaments, as well as provide guidance and assistance with the probate and administration of estates, elder abuse, Art. 81 Guardianships, and Art. 17-A Guardianships. This attorney will also provide community and professional trainings on these topics.
Duties and Responsibilities:
This attorney’s primary responsibilities include:
- Provide direct services, including: counseling, drafting and supervising the execution of advance planning documents, assistance with elder abuse, guardianship, and estate matters;
- Administrative duties including updating NYLAG case management systems, maintaining and updating files and case notes, and assisting in grant reporting as needed;
- Represent NYLAG at advocate meetings and community events;
- Work with and mentor pro bono attorneys, volunteers, and law students working with NYLAG;
- Conduct trainings for community-based organizations, local agencies, and other advocates in the related substantive matters;
- Engage and conduct outreach with communities who face barriers to accessing services;
- Attend internal staff meetings and meetings with partner agencies and funders as needed;
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Admission to NYS Bar is required;
- A minimum of three years of legal experience in one or more of the following areas is required and the ideal candidate must be willing to learn about the others;
- Advance Directives, Last Wills and Testaments, Estates, and Guardianships;
- Excellent communication, research and writing skills are required;
- Strong organizational and administrative skills are required;
- Experience working with diverse populations;
- Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work independently.
Employment type:
☒ Full-time
☒ Permanent
Professional Level: ☒ Professional |