Job Description

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Ithaca office of LawNY® seeks to fill an opening for a Supervising Attorney in our General Law Unit. The Attorney will provide direct legal representation to claimants appealing denials of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability (SSDI) claims. This work will include administrative appeals within the Social Security Administration appeals process, as well as litigation in federal court. In addition, the Attorney will supervise up to five staff members, consisting of Staff Attorneys and Paralegals who are providing direct representation to clients on government benefits issues (SSI/SSDI, unemployment insurance, public assistance and SNAP), elder law, and education law.

We encourage applicants with a wide range of substantive legal experience to apply. We expect those who fill this position will grow and adapt their practice to the needs of the community and the organization, and place an emphasis on supervision skills and the ability to practice in multiple forums. The candidate must have the caring, patience, and emotional maturity to help people with low income overcome crisis situations.

QUALIFICATIONS These are the basic requirements for the position.

• Admitted to practice and in good standing in New York State.
• Three (3) years experience providing legal services as a licensed attorney.
• Demonstrated commitment of service to people with low-income.

COMPENSATION PACKAGE

The beginning salary for a Supervising Attorney at LawNY with 3 years of experience is $85,000 and the salary for a Supervising Attorney with 30 years of experience is $116,600. Salary will be based on experience. LawNY is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program(PSLF).

LawNY® provides an excellent package of fringe benefits including:

• 94% Employer paid Medical Premium with 100% Employer paid in-network deductible 
• 100% Employer paid Dental Insurance
• 100% Employer paid Life Insurance
• 100% Employer paid Enhanced Short-term Disability
• 100% Employer paid Long-term Disability
• Vision Insurance
• 20 Paid Vacation days per year
• 12 Sick days per year
• 5 Personal days per year
• 13.5 Holidays plus 2 floating Holidays per year
• 35-Hour Work Week
• Hybrid Work Schedule (new staff are able to work from home up to 3 days per week. After 6 months, this increases to 5 days per week with Manager approval, as workload permits)

RESPONSIBILITIES These are the most significant responsibilities and primary functions of the position.

• Provide respectful culturally competent legal services to clients with low income and client groups including advice, negotiation, litigation and administrative advocacy.
• Manage multiple tasks and deadlines while supervising caseload of supervisees and coordinate the periodic review of the cases.
• Develop and maintain specialized knowledge of administrative law and federal court practice as it relates to claims for SSI and SSDI benefits.
• Identify leadership development and mentoring opportunities for supervisees and train less-experienced attorneys, paralegals and/or other staff in their pursuit of career advancement.
• Create and maintain a safe and healthy work environment for supervisees.
• Build relationships and collaborate with human services providers, non-profit organizations, community groups, and impacted community members as well as the courts, administrative tribunals, and the private bar to address legal problems within our community.
• Take responsibility for proper grant management requirements, program reporting, timekeeping, file maintenance, case closing, and compliance review.
• Maintain a high level of professional competence through attendance of training sessions, seminars and conferences and individual efforts to keep abreast of current developments in the area of poverty law and the application of an equity lens to client service.

APPLICATION PROCESS

To review our full application process and tips for your application and interview, see here.

To apply, submit your cover letter, resume, and three professional references through LawNY®’s BambooHR platform found here: When outlining work experience on a resume, candidates are requested to label each position as full-time or part-time and describe unpaid volunteer/internships as such. The application for this position is open until filled. 

To promote social justice and achieve our mission, LawNY® is committed to supporting our diverse staff and creating an inclusive and respectful workplace. In your cover letter, please also include an explanation of how you think that your background and experience has prepared you to contribute to our mission, vision and values at LawNY®.

We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible work environment. If you require any accommodations to support you in your role - whether for your interview, onboarding, or your day-to-day work, please let us know by sending an email to: accommodationrequest@lawny.org . Any information shared will remain confidential and only be used to ensure the appropriate support is in place before your first day. As part of your employment, LawNY will provide the necessary hardware to support your role.

Questions? Contact Michelle Grillone at mgrillone@lawny.org

LawNY is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to supporting a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities and lived experiences, and will consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. If you meet the basic qualifications of the role, we encourage you to apply! 

This position is considered Exempt pursuant to the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Job Tags

Extra income, Full time, Temporary work, Work experience placement, Internship, Work at office, Local area, Work from home, 3 days per week,

Similar Jobs