Veterans Staff Attorney

Be the Champion: Veterans Staff Attorney at The Legal Project

Location: Schenectady, NY

Employment Type: Full Time, Exempt

Reporting To: Supervising Attorney, Elder Law Assistance Program

Are you ready to be a part of a groundbreaking organization dedicated to justice and equality? Do you want to use your legal career empowering some of the most vulnerable members of our society and ensuring that they have excellent legal representation? Do you believe that veterans who have served their country should not have to face homelessness without a legal representative by their side ready to fight for the rights they have earned? Since 1995, The Legal Project has been at the forefront of providing essential legal services to those who need them most, including victims of domestic violence and the underserved. From preventing foreclosures to representing victims of human trafficking, our mission is to safeguard the rights and improve the lives of our clients. Our attorneys help build communities and neighborhoods, providing legal assistance and advice to vulnerable New Yorkers.

What You’ll Do:

This isn’t just any attorney role, this is a chance to be a vital advocate and educator in an environment where expanding your legal skills and expertise is encouraged. You will be integral to the success of a brand-new program funded by an LSV-H Grant from the VA, focusing on helping qualified veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

This is more than a legal job; it’s a chance to build a vital service from the ground up, providing both direct representation and essential community education.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Provide Direct Legal Services: Provide expert legal advice and full representation to veterans in critical areas like housing disputes (eviction defense), income maintenance (VA benefits, child support), family law (custody, divorce), and military justice solutions (discharge upgrades, record corrections).
• Educate the Community: Work closely with the program coordinator and leadership staff to develop and establish this new, high-impact program. You'll conduct "Know Your Rights" trainings for veterans and partner organizations to educate the community on legal issues that block stable housing.

· Strategize and Innovate: Work with The Legal Project and community attorneys to expand free civil legal services for veterans and identify other legal needs for future program development.

· Ensure the Best Outcomes: Team up with co-workers and departments to provide comprehensive support for mutual clients, ensuring the best possible outcomes. Maintain meticulous client files and electronic records, ensuring all activities are accurately

Who You Are:

· Licensed to practice in New York State or able to waive in with a background in veterans law, family law, housing law, or public benefits preferred.

· A lawyer who understands the advantages given to highly financed litigants within our civil justice system and who wants to ensure that everyone is represented even if they can’t pay for their attorney.

· A person who believes in community, neighborhoods, and the fundamental right of safety and stability for vulnerable members of our society

· Someone who enjoys learning new areas of law and expanding their own areas of practice

· Someone able to treat vulnerable people with dignity and respect and provide honest advice in a non-judgmental manner

· Experience or understanding of military culture strongly preferred; sensitivity to trauma-informed care is a plus.

· A person with a driver’s license and reliable access to a vehicle to attend court appearances and outreach events as necessary

Why The Legal Project?

· Flexible & Hybrid Work Schedules: Enjoy the flexibility of hybrid work models that fit your life.

· Generous Time Off: Benefit from 25 paid time off days & 17 holidays in your first year along with polices that also include additional floating holidays for religious observances and paid parental leave

· Dog-Friendly Office: Bring your furry friend to work in our inclusive and welcoming environment.

· Commitment to Work-Life Balance: Experience a supportive culture that values balanced workloads and comprehensive well-being.

· Inclusive Culture: Thrive in an environment that values diversity and provides equal opportunities for all.

· Commitment to Justice: Join us at The Legal Project where your expertise will make a direct impact on people’s lives and help foster a just society. Apply today and be a part of a team that values justice, community, and service.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Your expertise in law can truly change lives at The Legal Project. Don’t just take the next job, embark on a mission. Apply now and help us protect rights, enforce laws, and build a stronger community.

Salary Range: $75,000-$80,000

Apply Today:

Start your journey with us by visiting http://www.legalproject.org

Your path to a fulfilling legal career starts here!

The Legal Project is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Please send your resume, a writing sample, and a statement of interest to Chief Legal Director, Carla Brogoch, Esq.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received. The position is open until filled.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $75,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Schenectady, NY 12305