Attorney - Mental Hygiene Legal Service (Orange County)

About the role

The Mental Hygiene Legal Service ("MHLS") provides legal representation and advocacy to individuals with mental and developmental disabilities, and those alleged to be in need of mental health services, in legal matters including civil and criminal commitment, treatment over objection, guardianship, sex offender civil management, and assisted outpatient treatment.

Responsibilities

• Regularly appear in the New York courts in cases concerning involuntary hospitalization and psychiatric treatment.
• Frequently engage in fieldwork, including meeting with clients at psychiatric hospitals, prisons, other facilities or private residences.
• Advocate informally on behalf of clients in hospital and residential settings and represent them at administrative hearings.
• Handle all aspects of civil litigation, from discovery management through bench and jury trials as well as hearings before the NYS Supreme Court.
• Manage client interviews, expert witness testimony, legal research and motion practice.
• Represent clients in complex cases brought under the New York State Sexual Offender Management and Treatment Act.

Requirements

• Admission to the New York State Bar (or graduation from an accredited law school and admission to the New York State Bar within 18 months of appointment for the Attorney title).
• A valid driver’s license and car are required.

Qualifications

• Associate Attorney: Admission to the New York State Bar and two (2) years of service in the Senior Attorney title; or equivalent legal experience.
• Senior Attorney: Admission to the New York State Bar and two (2) years of service in the Attorney title; or equivalent legal experience.
• Attorney: Admission to the New York State Bar or graduation from an accredited law school and admission to the New York State Bar within 18 months of appointment.

Some litigation experience is preferred but not required.

Pay

• Associate Attorney: Base Salary: $110,853 + $2,460 Location Pay
• Senior Attorney: Base Salary: $99,490 + $2,460 Location Pay
• Attorney: Base Salary: $84,659 + $2,460 Location Pay