EXTERNAL JOB POSTING

POSITION TITLE Managing Attorney

PRACTICE AREA/DEPARTMENT Agricultural Worker Project (AWP)

OFFICE LOCATION Hybrid or Remote options

SALARY RANGE $99,161 - $120,540

SUPERVISOR Executive Director

POSTING DATE June 24, 2024

APPLICATION DEADLINE Position will remain open until filled

ABOUT

The Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York, Inc. (LASMNY) is a non-profit public interest law firm. We provide free legal information, advice and representation to people who are unable to afford a lawyer. Our staff provides services in the following, thirteen counties: Broome, Chenango, Cayuga, Cortland, Delaware, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego, and Otsego. In addition, our Agricultural Worker Program services the entire New York State. Visit us at www.lasmny.org

MISSION STATEMENT

LASMNY’s mission is to provide free legal assistance to low-income people facing civil legal problems that impact the basic needs of life. Through legal advice, emergency legal services and legal representation, we help low-income people stabilize their finances, protect themselves and their children from domestic violence, obtain access to healthcare, avoid homelessness as a result of wrongful evictions, protect the family home from foreclosure and increase household income. We also target specific vulnerable populations with our services, such as senior citizens, victims of domestic violence, people with disabilities, refugees and immigrants, and veterans.

JOB SUMMARY

The Agricultural Worker Project (AWP) at LASMNY is a statewide project focusing on agricultural workers across New York State, which consistently ranks as having one of the highest number of farmworkers in the United States. The Agricultural Worker Project's legal practice focuses on employment, labor, civil rights, retaliation, discrimination, H-2A program rules, and workplace safety claims in federal/state courts and in federal/state administrative matters. The AWP also collaborates with other farmworker-serving stakeholders both statewide and nationally. The AWP conducts regular outreach to farm labor camps to speak with workers about their rights and about the programs that are available to agricultural workers.

The AWP is seeking a flexible thinker and a strong writer with an evident commitment to public interest work and the desire to tackle the legal issues facing agricultural workers in a creative manner. The ideal individual for this position will play a leading role in both program-building and frontline farmworker litigation in underserved parts of New York, with an eye toward systemic issues facing farmworkers nationwide.

The Managing Attorney, under the direction of the Executive Director, is responsible for the overall administration and legal work of the designated program. This position is an integral part of management and collaborates with the executive team to implement and ensure compliance with Legal Services Corporation (LSC) and LASMNY regulations, policies, and procedures. Demonstrates an understanding and commitment to LASMNY’s mission and value of justice.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Supervise and manage the day-to-day administration and litigation of the designated program to ensure that the highest quality of legal services is given to clients.
• Represent agricultural workers in cases involving employment, labor, civil rights, and workplace safety claims in federal and state court and in federal and state administrative matters.
• Required travel to labor camps throughout New York State to lead and facilitate community legal education activities with agricultural workers.
• Develop and design (in English and Spanish) community legal education materials for agricultural workers on topics including employment, labor, housing, health and safety, immigration, and civil rights.
• Collaborate with the executive team to develop and implement policies, procedures, and standards relevant to legal work.
• Manage the recruitment, supervision, professional development, case assignment, performance, case reviews, employee relation discussions and disciplinary actions for direct reports in the designated program.
• Maintain accurate records and statistics for the coordination of timely reports, including documentation of educational trainings.
• Manage data related to grant reporting process.
• 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.
• Collaborate with other organizations and agencies for client referrals, workshop development and trainings.
• Prepare and file pleadings, motions, briefs, and other legal documents.
• Independently manage a caseload.
• Accurately and timely record billable time and case notes in our case management system.
• Serve as a signatory on checks and ensure the fiscal integrity of LASMNY funds.
• Work professionally and collaboratively with colleagues, judges, opposing counsel, court personnel, community members, bar associations, etc.
• Show commitment to professional growth in diverse areas of law.
• Keep up with knowledge of legal developments including completion of Continuing Legal Education (CLE) courses.
• Engage in outreach and community education.
• Required to travel overnight.
• Attend and participate in meetings and trainings as requested.
• Regular and predictable attendance.
• Comply with all Legal Services Corporation (LSC) and LASMNY regulations, policies, and 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.
• New York State (NYS) Bar admission.
• Minimum three (3) years of experience in the practice of law.
• Experience in the legal services preferred.
• Working experience in a Union environment preferred.
• Direct supervision experience of attorneys engaged in litigation practice strongly preferred.
• Experience developing litigation.
• Exceptional skills in drafting complex briefs, pleadings, and motions, conducting depositions and trial work.
• Demonstrated commitment and experience in mentoring and training less-experienced attorneys.
• Demonstrated commitment to serve low-income community members.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office or related software and computerized legal research.
• Fluency in written and oral Spanish, preferred.
• Valid NYS driver’s license or ability to obtain one if required.

BENEFITS - LASMNY offers a generous benefit package! Most benefits available date of hire. Medical, Vision, Dental, Medical Waiver Program (if eligible), Basic/Voluntary Life Insurance, Health Savings Account, Flexible Savings Accounts, 403(b), Employer Contributing SEP/IRA, Mileage Reimbursement, Professional Development, CLE Registration Fees, Attorney Registration Fees, Local & NYS Bar Dues, Vacation, Sick, Personal, Parental Leave, Bereavement Leave, Jury Duty, Bar Exam Leave, Employee Assistance Plan, Relocation Assistance, Parking, Loan Repayment/Public Service Loan Forgiveness and (14) Holidays.

APPLICATION PROCESS

We encourage interested, qualified candidates to apply for this position by sending a cover letter, writing sample, resume, and three (3) professional references to jobs@lasmny.org

LASMNY’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Vision Statement

The Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York, Inc. (LASMNY) is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our differences fuel excellence and we strive to create an environment where every individual is valued and feels empowered to bring their full, authentic self to work. We are building a community rooted in openness and trust where colleagues have the resources to grow, thrive and fully contribute to achieving equal access to justice.

Equal Opportunity Employer | Affirmative Action Employer

Fighting for Equal Justice for All|Diversity.Equity.Inclusion