Closing Date: 30th July, 2024

Description:

A 501 Non-Profit Legal Aid Provider Based in New York City's Civil Practice Law Reform Unit is seeking an experienced, creative, and energetic lawyer for an available Staff Attorney position in the Public Benefits practice. This position, in collaboration with a small team, is responsible for protecting and expanding the rights of vulnerable New Yorkers to access federal, state, and local public benefits programs. More specifically, the Staff Attorney will be focusing on systemic reforms through a range of affirmative work, including but not limited to representation of individual clients, organizations, groups and classes; legislative and press advocacy; community education and coalition building; and consulting and technical assistance for Legal Aid staff, other community, and legal service providers.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

File and litigate cases to address systemic benefit-related issues in City, State and federal court, represent clients in select administrative hearings, and advocate with local, State, and federal agencies
Train Legal Aid staff, and staff in other organizations about public benefits issues; engage in community outreach and education to individuals, local community-based organizations, and advocates; develop and produce training materials
Conduct policy advocacy on behalf of clients before the New York City Council and State Legislature, including the regular drafting and submission of testimony before various bodies of government and meetings with elected representatives and staff
Coordinate and collaborate with practices and units at Legal Aid, other legal assistance organizations, community groups, and organizations, and people with lived experience on a dynamic and wide range of advocacy strategies to promote the interests and rights of vulnerable New Yorkers
Work with pro bono lawyers on multiple long-term affirmative litigation matters in varying stages of litigation, including years-long monitoring and enforcement
An important focus will be the intersection of public benefits and housing, as well as issues involving immigrants and persons with disabilities
Collaborate regularly with Communications on press releases and media strategy to promote overall advocacy
Collaborate with LAS Development and Grant and Contracts as needed
Other duties as assigned, including to meet needs of the Law Reform Unit