Staff Attorney - Community Guardian Program

About the Role

The staff attorney works as part of a team with the CGP staff to provide comprehensive legal and advocacy services to guardianship clients.

Responsibilities

• Handle individual caseload in Article 81 guardianship law, including guardianship discharges, seeking permanent placement of a client, and seeking expansion or contraction of powers
• Appear in Civil Court (Housing) with staff and/or clients
• Supervise volunteer attorneys
• Develop case plans with senior management and staff regarding legal issues
• Provide a full range of legal services, including:
  • Administrative advocacy and representation at hearings before public and private agencies
  • Litigation in state courts
  • Drafting pleadings and other legal documents
  • Obtaining and reviewing documents and records
  • Legal research and writing
  • Negotiating and settling matters
  • Interviewing clients and providing appropriate advice
  • Referral to other sources of legal assistance
• Participate in staff meetings, training seminars, and community activities
• Maintain required case records, reports, and statistics in a timely and complete manner
• Complete annual mandatory trainings (e.g., Sexual Harassment Prevention, IT Security Awareness, Compliance, OSHA, HIPAA)
• Adhere to organizational policies regarding absenteeism and appearance
• Support the organization’s mission with a focus on positive interpersonal relationships with co-workers

Requirements

• J.D. required
• License to practice law in New York State and active registration with the New York State Office of Court Administration
• At least 2 years of experience in guardianship, elder, or administrative law (experience in client representation, advocacy, training, and community education regarding Medicaid and other government entitlement programs is desirable)
• Experience and/or demonstrated commitment to community service, government benefits, and social justice issues
• Strong problem-solving abilities while multitasking and exercising sound judgment
• Excellent analytical and computer skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including drafting legal documents, briefs, and using correct citation form
• Excellent customer service and organizational skills

Working Conditions

• Business office environment with phone and computer use
• Must be able to travel locally for off-site court visits

Pay

$80,000 – $85,000 per year, commensurate with experience.