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PRISONERS’ LEGAL SERVICES

STAFF ATTORNEY POSITION – Newburgh, New York

 

Prisoners’ Legal Services of New York (PLS) is seeking to hire a Staff Attorney for our Newburgh, New York, regional office.

 

Overview

 

PLS is a non-profit legal services organization providing civil legal services to indigent individuals in New York State correctional facilities in cases where no other counsel is available. Founded in 1976 in response to the Attica uprising, PLS engages in civil rights advocacy and litigation primarily in cases involving claims of unconstitutional conditions of confinement, prolonged placement in solitary confinement, deliberate indifference to serious mental health and medical needs, excessive use of force, violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act, access to education, child visitation and support, immigration, and sentence computation issues. PLS has regional offices in Albany, Buffalo, Ithaca, and Newburgh. 

 

Job Description 

 

PLS is seeking to hire attorneys who are committed to providing legal services to the disadvantaged.  Applicants must be admitted to practice in New York State or have recently taken the N.Y. State Bar exam. The ideal applicants will have experience in at least one of the following areas: prisoners’ rights, New York State family law, veterans’ rights, civil legal services, civil rights, poverty law or federal litigation. Applicants should be self-motivated and capable of complex analytical work. Applicants must possess excellent legal research and writing skills, strong communication skills, and a desire to work in a collaborative work environment.  Typical duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

 

  • Conduct thorough legal intakes with clients in need
  • Represent diverse clients in various and dynamic legal areas
  • Litigate and conduct trials when necessary
  • Investigate facts through interviews and document collection
  • Advocate zealously on behalf of clients
  • Prepare a variety of legal documents for your own cases as well as assist other attorneys
  • Perform legal research
  • Draft and distribute various outreach materials
  • Timely data entry in client database and other outlets
  • Manage and assign tasks to volunteers as needed
  • Report to supervising attorneys on cases, legal strategies, scheduling, and other matters
  • Work closely and collaborate with PLS’ team of experienced attorneys, supervisors, and case handlers, and receive both hands-on and formal training
  • Other responsibilities as assigned

 

Qualifications

 

  • J.D. degree and admission or pending admission to the New York State Bar is required
  • Strong research and writing skills
  • Excellent oral and analytical skills
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Ability to juggle a variety of tasks and roles often under time pressure
  • Ability to work in and value a collaborative team model
  • Ability to collaborate successfully with other groups and organizations
  • Ability to communicate effectively with clients, community organizations, attorneys, the judiciary and the public
  • Fluency in Spanish is preferred
  • Civil legal services, clinical, fellowship, and/or clerkship experience preferred
  • Demonstrated commitment to representing vulnerable populations and knowledge of the complex and systemic issues faced by our clients
  • Experience working with diverse communities and clients who are survivors of trauma

 

 

Salary and Benefits

 

PLSNY is a unionized workplace, and salaries are determined in accordance with a collective bargaining agreement.  SALARY TRANSPARENCY: The anticipated annual salary range for this position is $73,059 to $88,127. The specific salary offer will be dependent on the candidate's qualifications, including collectively bargained salary steps for unionized roles.

 

 PLS also offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, and a 401(k)-retirement plan.

 

PLS’ Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

 

All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination based on sex, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. 

 

Formerly incarcerated people or previously detained individuals are encouraged to apply.

 

How to Apply 

 

Please submit your cover letter, resume, writing sample, and at least three (3) references by email to careers@plsny.org. Include “PLS Newburgh Staff Attorney” in the subject line. No phone calls, please.