RACE EQUITY STAFF ATTORNEY
The Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York, a nonprofit civil legal services program, is seeking
a motivated and passionate staff attorney in our Albany Office to operationalize LASNNY’s Race Equity Priority of ensuring equitable treatment, services, and outcomes to people of color in the Capital Region. LASNNY’s mission is to fight for fairness, dignity, and justice for those living in poverty and for a society which is inclusive and equitable for all. We transform lives, build community, and empower people by using the law to address individual and systemic wrongs and inequities.
The racial equity staff attorney will provide direct civil legal services to clients or client groups applying a racial justice lens to their work and advocacy. In addition to providing direct representation, the attorney will work closely with tenant associations and other Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) community-based organizations becoming a resource for the community as well as raising LASNNY’s awareness on how our communities of color are experiencing systemic oppression.
With the position located at LASNNY’s Center for Civil Legal Services in Albany’s West Hill (a high poverty/underserved area), the racial equity staff attorney will be well-situated for community engagement and outreach. The racial equity staff attorney will have the flexibility to respond appropriately to community needs. The staff attorney will play a critical role in identifying and developing strategies to address systemic problems confronting our client communities of color. They will develop and update resource materials regarding systemic racial and poverty issues and act as a resource to other LASNNY staff regarding racial equity advocacy work.
Racial Equity Staff Attorney Responsibilities:
- Work collaboratively with LASNNY staff and community-based groups to provide comprehensive legal services.
- Provide representation and brief service to eligible client and client groups in a wide variety of legal issues from housing, family law, consumer, and employment law.
- Conduct community education, outreach, and build relationships with communities of color furthering race equity efforts.
- Prepare and participate in trainings for LASNNY advocates related to legal issues impacting low income BIPOC communities and legal strategies.
- And other duties as determined by the Chief Diversity Officer/Race Equity Director.
Racial Equity Staff Attorney Qualifications:
- Applicants must have a J.D. and be admitted to practice law in the State of New York;
- 3-5-years of experience; litigation experience is preferred;
- Excellent oral and written communication skills and ability to work well under deadline;
- Demonstrated commitment to and experience with working with communities of color and candidates are encouraged to share that in their cover letters;
- Demonstrated leadership capabilities and commitment to racial justice;
- Ability to clearly articulate ideas and ask for support as necessary.
Salary Range: Up to $73,297 DOE
We are an unionized program, with excellent fringe benefits. Three weeks of paid vacation in year one (four weeks in year two) as well as generous sick and personal leave time available immediately to the employee. Complimentary group term life insurance and long-term disability coverage. Expansive health insurance coverage with most of the premium employer paid. Other benefits include Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP), dental, vision, Flexible Savings Account, an employer contributed retirement plan, relocation assistance and many more.
Application Deadline: Until Filled
No applications will be accepted without cover letter, resume, references and writing sample.
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
LASNNY is committed to the creation of an inclusive and diverse workplace and providing Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action to all applicants. We strongly encourage applications from women, BIPOC, LGBTQ persons, protected veterans, applicants and recipients of public assistance, the elderly and people with disabilities.
|