Staff Attorney in Oswego, New York at Legal Aid Society of Mid New York Inc

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as requested to meet the ongoing needs of the agency.

Job Summary

The Staff Attorney will conduct legal research; draft pleadings, legal memoranda, advocacy letters, and other legal papers; litigate all phases of foreclosure defense cases, including handling settlement conferences, engaging in motion practice, conducting trials, writing, and arguing appeals, and filing complaints; negotiate mortgage loan modifications and work with mortgage servicers; and provide other legal services as appropriate. May provide assistance with bankruptcy when necessary. Demonstrates an understanding and commitment to LASMNY’s mission and value of justice. The position reports to the Managing Attorney.

Essential Job Functions

• Effectively and efficiently communicate with clients/applicants for services over the phone or in person.
• Interview clients competently and objectively.
• Deliver quality legal services by providing legal advice and representation in civil cases to eligible individuals.
• Prepare and file briefs, motions, and other necessary judicial pleadings.
• Independently manage a caseload, including fully litigating assigned cases, when appropriate.
• Accurately and timely record billable time and case notes in our case management system.
• Work professionally and collaboratively with colleagues, judges, opposing counsel, court personnel, community members, etc.
• Show commitment to professional growth in diverse areas of law.
• Keep up with knowledge of legal developments including completion of Continuing Legal Education courses.
• Engage in outreach and community education.
• Attend and participate in meetings and trainings as required.
• Regular and predictable attendance.
• Comply with all Legal Services Corporation and LASMNY policies, 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.
• Prior legal services, trial and litigation experience preferred.
• Demonstrated commitment to serving indigent community members preferred.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office or related software and computerized legal research.
• Fluency in other languages a plus.

Core Competencies

• Positive, approachable, outgoing personality with ability to build professional relationships.
• Ability to work independently and in a group environment.
• Strong organizational skills and pays attention to details.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and to exercise discretion and good judgment.
• Solid time-management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks.
• Strong follow up, research and analytical skills.
• Ability to function well in a fast paced and at times stressful environment.
• Team player.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Self-motivated, ability to identify issues and resolve problems.

Physical Job Requirements and Activities

• This job operates in a professional office environment.
• Ability to sit for long periods of time.
• The person in this position frequently communicates with their clients and others. Will be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
• Ability to assess the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.
• Light work that may include moving objects up to (10) pounds.
• This job may require the ability to move files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand, as necessary.
• Routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, scanners, fax machines, filing cabinets, computer printers, etc.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that may be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position without negatively impacting workflow and/or efficiency or imposing an undue hardship.