Staff Attorney (Public benefits)

https:/www.scheurer.org/careers/; City of Niagara Falls (NY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Neighborhood Legal Services in Niagara Falls is looking for a staff attorney to provide legal representation in public benefits cases. The firm aids low-income individuals in obtaining benefits like SNAP and Temporary Assistance, crucial for their well-being.

The ideal candidate will have a J.D. and NYS Bar Admission or be pending admission, strong writing, verbal communication skills, and a commitment to serving diverse communities. Training provided for new graduates.

Qualifications

• Commitment to low-income and underserved communities.
• Ability to maintain a caseload of public benefits matters.
• Second language fluency preferred.

Responsibilities

• Handle all aspects of legal representation including client contact and pleadings.
• Fulfill all grant and contract requirements through casework.
• Conduct community outreach, education, and training.

Skills

Strong writing skills

Verbal communication

Cultural sensitivity

Attention to detail

Behavioral competencies

Education

J.D. and NYS Bar Admission

Job description

Neighborhood Legal Services is a not-for-profit public interest law firm providing free civil legal assistance to low-income individuals. Its mission is to seek equitable justice by providing access to legal advice, representation, and education to those in our community who, due to financial vulnerability, disability, discrimination, or abuse, require protection and advancement of their civil legal rights. It is the largest non-profit provider of civil legal services in Western New York. Neighborhood Legal Services provides counsel for housing, prevention, family/divorce, public benefits, disability advocacy, student loans, and health insurance. This position is in our Niagara Falls office.

The staff attorney will positively impact clients by maintaining a caseload of public benefits matters. The attorney will assist clients in obtaining or maintaining benefits including Temporary (cash) Assistance, SNAP, assistance with emergencies including homelessness, and overpayments from the Niagara County Department of Social Services. Case work includes reviewing notices and other documents, advising clients about their benefits, negotiating with NCDSS, representing clients at Administrative Fair Hearings, and litigation. The Attorney will learn the substantive law, develop advocacy skills, and learn to identify and work on systemic issues. Training will be provided – whether you just passed the bar with admission pending or you are an experienced attorney.

Essential Responsibilities/ Functions:

• Handle all aspects of legal representation including client contact, pleading preparation, research, file maintenance, hearing and trial work, and work with support staff;
• Fulfill all grant and contract requirements through casework, time-keeping, and record-keeping;
• Develop and maintain a working knowledge of the areas of law that impact our clients;
• Identify other legal needs of clients to ensure that NLS can provide holistic representation and referrals;
• Collaborate and coordinate with other NLS staff and community partners to ensure effective referrals and holistic service delivery;
• Identify systemic problems that affect our clients’ rights;
• Conduct community outreach, education and training;
• Demonstrate cultural competency to work with clients of every race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, immigrant status, religious identity, physical and mental disabilities, and limited English proficiency;
• Maintain a current knowledge of developments in civil procedure and civil litigation law; and
• Develop an understanding of the social and economic forces that create poverty and inequality in our community.

Qualifications

• J.D. and NYS Bar Admission (considered if applicant has passed the bar exam with admission pending – training will be provided)
• Demonstrated commitment and cultural sensitivity to low-income and underserved communities.
• Strong writing skills and verbal communication.
• Strong behavioral competencies.
• Strong attention to detail and follow up skills.
• Previous experience working with low-income and/or underserved communities preferred
• Second language fluency preferred

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Work in an office environment including working at workstation, attending meetings;
• Traveling to meetings and hearings off-site;
• Use of computer and other office machines such as fax, photocopiers and telephones; and
• Ability to work in the evenings and weekends as required to serve clients.