POSITION TITLE Staff Attorney
PRACTICE AREA/DEPARTMENT Agricultural Worker Project (AWP)
OFFICE LOCATION Remote
SALARY RANGE $80,000 - $110,540 (DOE)
SUPERVISOR Managing Attorney
POSTING DATE July 22, 2024
ABOUT
The Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York, Inc. (LASMNY) is a non-profit public interest law firm. We provide free legal information, advice and representation to people who are unable to afford a lawyer. Our staff provides services in the following, thirteen counties: Broome, Chenango, Cayuga, Cortland, Delaware, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego, and Otsego. In addition, our Agricultural Worker Program services the entire New York State. Visit us at www.lasmny.org
MISSION STATEMENT
LASMNY’s mission is to provide free legal assistance to low-income people facing civil legal problems that impact the basic needs of life. Through legal advice, emergency legal services and legal representation, we help low-income people stabilize their finances, protect themselves and their children from domestic violence, obtain access to healthcare, avoid homelessness as a result of wrongful evictions, protect the family home from foreclosure and increase household income. We also target specific vulnerable populations with our services, such as senior citizens, victims of domestic violence, people with disabilities, refugees and immigrants, and veterans.
JOB SUMMARY
The Agricultural Worker Project (AWP) at LASMNY provides free civil legal services to agricultural workers across New York State (NYS). Though AWP’s legal practice touches on many different areas of law, it primarily focuses on employment, labor, civil rights, retaliation, discrimination, H-2A program rules, and workplace safety claims in federal/state courts and in federal/state administrative agencies. The AWP also collaborates with other farmworker-serving stakeholders both statewide and nationally. The AWP conducts regular outreach to farm labor camps to speak with workers about their rights and about the programs that are available to agricultural workers.
The Staff Attorney represents agricultural, nursery, and food processing workers across NYS and demonstrates an understanding and commitment to LASMNY’s mission and value of justice. This position reports to the Managing Attorney.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
• Represent agricultural workers in cases including but not limited to employment, labor, housing, civil rights, and workplace safety claims in federal and state administrative matters.
• Research conditions in housing, employment and other aspects of agricultural work and develop litigation and other strategies to address problems at a systemic level.
• Travel to labor camps throughout NYS to lead and facilitate community legal education activities with agricultural workers.
• Develop and design (in English and Spanish) community legal education materials for agricultural workers on topics including employment, labor, housing, health and safety, immigration, and civil rights.
• Collaborate with other organizations and agencies for client referrals, workshop development, and trainings.
• Maintain accurate records and statistics, including documentation of educational trainings. Assist in other activities as assigned by the Managing Attorney and Executive Director in order to carry out the objectives of AWP.
• Effectively, efficiently, and objectively will communicate with clients and interview applicants for services over the phone or in person.
• Prepare and file pleadings, motions, briefs, and other legal documents.
• Independently manage a caseload.
• Manage data related to grant reporting process.
• Accurately and timely record time and case notes in our case management system.
• Work professionally and collaboratively with colleagues, judges, opposing counsel, court personnel, community members, bar associations, etc.
• Show commitment to professional growth in diverse areas of law.
• Keep up with knowledge of legal developments including completion of Continuing Legal Education (CLE) courses.
• Engage in outreach and education efforts to reach community members, advocates, and service providers.
• Required to travel overnight.
• Attend and participate in meetings and trainings as required.
• Regular and predictable attendance.
• Comply with all Legal Services Corporation and LASMNY regulations, policies, and procedures, to include but not limited to the Case Management Policy and grant based reporting requirements.
• Perform responsibilities and duties based upon department needs and requirements as assigned by the supervisor.
JOB QUALIFICATIONS
• Law degree from an accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice in NYS or eligible for admission on motion.
• Minimum of one year experience in the practice of law.
• Excellent legal skills, including strong writing ability and litigation experience.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office or related software and computerized legal research.
• Fluency in Spanish, preferred.
• Fluency in other languages a plus.
• Experience working with immigrant communities, migrant communities, and/or low-income workers is
• preferred.
• Experience in legal services preferred.
• Valid NYS driver’s license or ability to obtain one if required.
BENEFITS LASMNY offers a generous benefit package! Most benefits available date of hire. Medical, Vision, Dental, Medical Waiver Program (if eligible), Basic/Voluntary Life Insurance, Health Savings Account, Flexible Savings Accounts, 403(b), Employer Contributing SEP/IRA, Mileage Reimbursement, Professional Development, CLE Registration Fees, Attorney Registration Fees, Local & NYS Bar Dues, Vacation, Sick, Personal, Parental Leave, Bereavement Leave, Jury Duty, Bar Exam Leave, Employee Assistance Plan, Relocation Assistance, Parking, Loan Repayment/Public Service Loan Forgiveness and (14) Holidays.
APPLICATION PROCESS
We encourage interested qualified candidates to apply by responding to this email with a cover letter, writing sample, resume, and three (3) professional references to [email protected]
LASMNY’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Vision Statement
The Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York, Inc. (LASMNY) is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our differences fuel excellence and we strive to create an environment where every individual is valued and feels empowered to bring their full, authentic self to work. We are building a community rooted in openness and trust where colleagues have the resources to grow, thrive and fully contribute to achieving equal access to justice.
Equal Opportunity Employer | Affirmative Action Employer
Fighting for Equal Justice For All | Diversity.Equity.Inclusion
JOB QUALIFICATIONS
• Law degree from an accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice in NYS or eligible for admission on motion.
• Minimum of one year experience in the practice of law.
• Excellent legal skills, including strong writing ability and litigation experience.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office or related software and computerized legal research.
• Fluency in Spanish, preferred.
• Fluency in other languages a plus.
• Experience working with immigrant communities, migrant communities, and/or low-income workers is
• preferred.
• Experience in legal services preferred.
• Valid NYS driver’s license or ability to obtain one if required.
APPLICATION PROCESS
We encourage interested qualified candidates to apply by responding to this email with a cover letter, writing sample, resume, and three (3) professional references to [email protected]
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