Staff Attorney (Temporary Position – Community and Access to Justice Program Unit)

About NYLAG:

Founded in 1990, NYLAG is a leading civil legal services organization combating economic, racial, and social injustice by advocating for people experiencing poverty or in crisis. Our services include comprehensive, free civil legal services, financial empowerment, impact litigation, policy advocacy, and community partnerships. NYLAG exists because wealth should not determine who has access to justice. We aim to disrupt systemic racism by serving individuals and families whose legal and financial crises are often rooted in racial inequality. NYLAG goes to where the need is, providing services in more than 150 community sites (e.g. courts, hospitals, libraries) and on our Mobile Legal Help Center. NYLAG’s staff of 400 impacted the lives of 129,000 people last year.


 

Job description

The New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) seeks a dynamic and mission-driven Staff Attorney to join its Community and Access to Justice Program Unit (CAPU). CAPU is an interdisciplinary team of attorneys, paralegals, and volunteers who provide civil legal information, resources, and representation to individuals who might not otherwise have access to legal services.

This is a non-supervisory, temporary role intended to provide support during a parental leave. The Staff Attorney will report directly to the Director of the CAPU Unit.

Primary Responsibilities 

The Staff Attorney will focus on the Legal Hand Call-In Center Serving East Harlem project, working closely with the Center Manager. Responsibilities include:

• Supporting the day-to-day operations of the Call-In Center alongside the Center Manager
• Creating a welcoming, inclusive environment for Volunteers and Visitors.
• Assisting Volunteers in providing legal information (not legal advice or representation) to Visitors
• Ensuring compliance with Legal Hand policies, procedures, and local laws.
• Maintaining and updating legal information in the Legal Hand Helper database
• Providing accurate, accessible information to Visitors and Volunteers on general civil legal topics.
• Referring or directing Volunteers to refer Visitors to legal service providers and community organizations, when appropriate
• Organizing and implementing ongoing training for Volunteers.
• Developing partnerships with legal services providers and community organizations to offer Know Your Rights workshops.

Other Responsibilities

• Assisting, as needed, with Mobile Legal Help Center clinics.
• Supporting and conducting Know Your Rights presentations to community members and partner organizations
• Monitoring CAPU outreach emails and coordinating with internal teams for guidance and follow-up.
• Representing NYLAG in outreach events. 

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will have:

• A JD and at least 1 year of experience in civil legal services (housing, public benefits, family law, or immigration)
• A demonstrated passion for social justice, with a commitment to serving low-income and marginalized communities
• Experience working effectively with people from diverse backgrounds
• Strong writing, communication, time management, and presentation skills
• The ability to thrive in a multi-disciplinary environment and collaborate with internal and external partners
• A deep interest in empowering community members and making legal information accessible
• Availability for occasional evening and weekend hours

NYLAG’s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

NYLAG is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. People of color, women, people with disabilities, immigrants, veterans, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people, and those with lived experiences in the communities we serve are strongly encouraged to apply.

Employment type: 

☒ Temporary

Professional Level: 
☒ Entry Level
 

Salary Range: 

NYLAG is a unionized workplace, and salaries are set pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement. The current salary range for this position is between $79,045 - $84,452

Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, 401k, life insurance, long term disability, commuter benefits, flexible spending accounts (FSA) for Medical and Dependent care.

Application Instructions: Please save resume and cover letter on one pdf.

Covid Vaccination Policy: Please note, to safeguard the health and well-being of our employees and clients, NYLAG requires all employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, unless a medical or religious exemption is approved.

NYLAG is committed to a hybrid work policy for staff whose work does not require their full-time presence in the office. NYLAG’s current policy is that most staff are required to work in NYLAG’s offices or do other in-person work at least two days each week. This policy is subject to change.