Staff Attorney

Job Summary:

JustCause is seeking to add another Staff Attorney to our growing legal team of nine (9) highly-experienced attorneys, supported by eleven (11) paralegals. The Staff Attorney will provide support to clients and volunteer attorneys in housing and other civil legal cases affecting basic needs of low-income households, including family, consumer, and other matters. Specifically, the Staff Attorney will represent clients and supervise volunteers in court, at clinics, and remotely. As needed, this position assists with JustCause on- and off-site clinics, continuing legal education (CLE) seminars, training paralegals, and supervising interns. In addition, there will be opportunities to support community-related legal and social justice committees, working groups, and events.

Responsibilities

• Representing clients facing eviction in landlord/tenant court
• Providing limited scope advice and counsel over the telephone and in person to clients in a variety of legal matters affecting their basic needs
• Recruiting and mentoring pro bono attorneys and volunteers
• Reviewing and assessing cases for possible placement or limited scope assistance by volunteer attorneys
• Training, assisting, and supporting pro bono attorneys with all legal issues concerning their cases, including but not limited to providing legal research or preparing or assisting with the preparation of various legal documents when necessary or requested
• Assigning, directing, supervising, and assessing work of paralegals, interns, and law students
• Providing legal information and referrals to individuals who do not qualify for our program services
• Managing cases, reporting progress, and recording time in a case management system
• Effectively communicating with clients, pro bono attorneys, and the courts
• Participating in community outreach and community-related and social justice committees, working groups, and other events as needed
• Assisting in the administration of grants and grant reporting

Required Qualifications

• Law Degree and licensed in the State of New York; new graduates welcome to apply
• Must reside in or around Monroe County, NY. JustCause has a flexible work-from-home policy, but the Staff Attorney must be able to attend in-person court appearances, meetings, and events as needed in and around Rochester.
• A strong commitment to justice, equity, and community wellness. Demonstrated interest in serving low-income people
• An interest in housing law
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound and compassionate judgment while serving a very diverse clientele that may be in crisis or have endured various forms of trauma
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to maintain effective relationships with the courts, the private bar, bar associations, and community organizations
• Ability to work cooperatively with diverse staff, supervisors, interns, and pro bono volunteers
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and telephonic and in-person interviewing skills
• Ability to effectively “issue-spot” client legal matters
• Commitment to accurate recordkeeping and timekeeping in case management system
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and committed to working in a client-focused and collegial environment
• Commitment to continuous process improvement and comfort with change
• A pleasant and professional demeanor and a balanced sense of humor

Preferred Qualifications

• Written and spoken fluency in language(s) other than English
• Prior experience working in legal services or related field
• Prior experience recruiting or mentoring pro bono attorneys
• Knowledge or experience regarding landlord/tenant matters

Salary and Compensation

Salary depends upon prior years of relevant experience and in accordance with JustCause’s standard salary scale. JustCause is committed to pay equity and transparency. Immediately upon hire, JustCause employees are eligible for an excellent benefits package, including (but not limited to) the following:

• Generous vacation leave time and paid holidays
• Choice of high deductible or copay health insurance plan; JustCause pays 100% of the employee’s premium
• JustCause contribution of 3% of salary to 403(b) retirement plan (no employee match required)
• Parking reimbursement
• Short- and long-term disability insurance and New York Paid Family Leave

JustCause does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, height, weight, age, or marital status and is an equal access/equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

JustCause maintains a collaborative, collegial, flexible, and hybrid workspace and environment, allowing employees to work from the office or remotely depending on organizational needs; and as needed to attend in-person meetings and events. JustCause takes all actions needed to ensure the safety of staff and clients.

Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume explaining your interest and qualifications to jobs@justcauseny.org. Please include the job title in the subject line.