PT Staff Attorney - Housing Unit (Jamestown)
LawNY® is seeking a full-time Staff Attorney for its Housing Unit in Jamestown, New York. The attorney will provide direct legal representation, primarily in eviction defense cases in Chautauqua County, with additional coverage in Cattaraugus County. The ideal candidate should possess the compassion and emotional maturity necessary to assist low-income individuals in overcoming housing crises.
Key responsibilities include maintaining a full caseload representing eligible clients, developing specialized knowledge in housing matters such as landlord-tenant disputes, subsidized housing, and government benefits, and providing legal services including advice, negotiation, litigation, and administrative advocacy. The attorney will also collaborate with other LawNY® advocates, human services providers, non-profit organizations, community groups, courts, administrative tribunals, and the private bar to address legal issues within the community and provide community legal education.
Candidates must be admitted to practice and in good standing in New York State, demonstrate a commitment to serving low-income individuals, and possess excellent oral and written communication skills. Experience in litigation and advocacy within areas such as landlord-tenant law, subsidized housing, and government benefits is preferred. An understanding of structural and institutional racism and its impact on underserved communities is also desirable.
The compensation package includes a starting salary of $75,000 for candidates with no experience, increasing to $111,100 for those with thirty years of experience. LawNY® offers a comprehensive benefits package, including 94% employer-paid medical premiums, 100% employer-paid dental and life insurance, 100% employer-paid short-term and long-term disability, vision insurance, 20 paid vacation days, 12 sick days, 5 personal days, 13.5 holidays plus 2 floating holidays, and a 35-hour workweek. New staff are eligible to work from home up to three days per week, with the possibility of increasing to five days per week after six months, subject to manager approval and workload considerations.
LawNY® is a not-for-profit law firm providing free civil legal services to low-income clients across a 14-county area in Western New York, the Finger Lakes, and the Southern Tier. With over 180 employees, including attorneys, paralegals, and legal support staff, LawNY® is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, striving to create a workplace where these values are integral to client advocacy and internal operations.