Staff Attorney - Housing & Consumer Law Unit

JOB SUMMARY

To provide legal representation and counsel to low and middle-income litigants in housing and consumer law matters in Monroe, Ontario, and surrounding counties. In addition, the staff attorney will provide community outreach, education, and training to our community partners.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provide legal counsel and representation in housing and consumer law proceedings, including all stages of litigation. 
• Draft, review, and file pleadings, motions, and other legal documents.  
• Conduct in-person client interviews and gather relevant facts for case development.  
• Conduct discovery, investigations, and legal research as required for case preparation.  
• Represent clients at court appearances, hearings, conferences, and related proceedings.  
• Consult and negotiate with opposing counsel and other parties to achieve favorable client outcomes.  
• Represent clients in post-dispositional proceedings, including appeals, settlement of orders and records, and related matters.  
• Provide legal counsel and guidance to first-time homebuyers and homeowners at risk of foreclosure.  
• Collaborate with and review the work of assigned support staff as needed.  
• Maintain accurate, complete, and timely documentation of all client contacts and case activity in LegalServer or other case management systems.  
• Stay current on relevant legislative changes, case law, regulations, and best practices; participate in continuing legal education (CLE) training.  
• Participate in community outreach, education, and training related to housing issues and organizational programs.  
• Provide information about legal rights and agency services to community partners and stakeholders.  
• Travel across multiple counties as required to represent clients and attend court proceedings or related meetings.  
• Participate in office-wide functions, including staff meetings, trainings, and organizational initiatives.  
• Provide legal support to other programs within the organization as needed. 

EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Juris Doctor (JD) required. Proficiency with computer systems, including Microsoft Word and Excel; experience with case management systems preferred.  
• Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills.  
• High level of initiative, independence, and organizational skills.  
• Ability to manage a high-volume caseload and work both independently and collaboratively.  
• Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, court personnel, and community partners.  
• Commitment to social justice and a passion for serving underprivileged communities 
  
• Access to reliable transportation and willingness to travel across multiple counties.  
• Demonstrated ability to work respectfully, empathetically, and with a trauma-informed lens to serve our diverse client population.  
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to articulate ideas clearly and effectively.  
• Strong negotiating and litigation skills with the ability to advocate effectively in court.  
• Proficiency with Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and other online meeting platforms.  
• Admission to the New York State Bar required; candidates who have received their JD and qualify for a judicial practice order may also be considered.  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must 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 essential functions. 

• Extended periods of sitting at a desk or workstation while performing administrative tasks. 
• Regular use of computers and other office equipment, requiring manual dexterity and visual concentration. 
• Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. 
• Mobility within the office environment to attend meetings, training sessions, or other events. 
• Ability to communicate effectively with associates, supervisors, and external stakeholders in person, over the phone, or via email.  
• Office-based environment with standard office equipment and ergonomic furniture. 
• Exposure to typical office noises such as phone calls, conversations, and office equipment operation. 
• Work will be performed in an in-office environment.    
• Occasional travel may be required for attending training sessions, conferences, or other related events. 

Benefits:

• Hybrid Work schedule
• Paid Lunch Hour
• Employer contributions toward health and dental insurance plans
• Up to:
  • 15 days of vacation to start (based on experience)
  • 96 hours of sick leave
  • 48 hours of personal time
  • 14 paid holidays a year
  • $600 per year internet stipend
  • 3% match on the 401(k) or Roth 401(k) plan of your choice
• Language differential for being proficient in a program-relevant language
• Professional development opportunities
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualifying employer
  

The Legal Aid Society of Rochester, NY, provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.