Volunteers of Legal Service (VOLS) seeks a full-time Staff Attorney to work in our Elderly Project with an emphasis on our new Veterans Initiative. 

Job Title: Staff Attorney, Elderly Project and Veterans Initiative 

VOLS’ Mission: 

VOLS’s mission is to leverage the good will, resources, and talents of some of New York City’s best law firms to provide pro bono legal services to the city’s neediest residents.  

Elderly Project:

Founded in 1990, VOLS’s Elderly Project works closely with senior centers and with participating law firms to coordinate pro bono legal services for elderly people of modest means.  A core emphasis of the Project is on enabling volunteer attorneys from law firms to assist seniors with the preparation and execution of life-planning documents, including wills, powers of attorney, and medical advance directives.  The Project also provides legal assistance to seniors on a wide range of other legal issues, including housing, consumer debt, and government benefits like Medicaid and SSI.  

Veterans Initiative:

VOLS is launching a new Veterans Initiative in 2019 which will work closely with veterans’ service providers to coordinate pro bono legal services for elderly veterans of modest means.  Like the Elderly Project, the core emphasis of the Initiative will be enabling volunteer attorneys from law firms to assist veterans with their civil legal needs. 

Staff Attorney Responsibilities: 

  • Work closely with the Legal Director/Elderly Project Director in the day to day operation of the project and will include the following responsibilities: 
  • Staff regular legal clinics at senior centers and veterans services organizations. While there provide advice, counsel and referrals to seniors and veterans on a variety of civil legal issues.
  • Help spot legal issues impacting low-income seniors and veterans. 
  • Support pro bono efforts by assisting with placing matters with volunteers and co-counseling matters with volunteer lawyers.
  • Conduct outreach, including facilitating educational workshops and trainings.  
  • Prepare and execute life-planning documents for seniors and veterans whom the Project chooses to represent as its clients.

Qualifications and Skills:

  • An attorney admitted in good standing in New York State with 2-5 years’ experience. 
  • Demonstrated experience providing direct client legal representation.
  • Experience working in fast-paced, high volume case setting with extensive client contact and experience handling cases from intake to closing.
  • Familiarity with New York City housing law, public benefits, VA benefits, estate planning and/or advanced directives.
  • Experience working with low to moderate income individuals.
  • Experience with Legal Server or other case management platforms. 
  • Strong organization, documentation and recordkeeping skills.
  • Excellent writing skills.
  • Strong oral communication and interpersonal skills with persons of varying degrees of knowledge and understanding of legal matters.
  • The ability to respond sensitively to the needs of the seniors, veterans, pro bono lawyers, and agency staff whom the Project works with.
  • Ability to work as a team and independently, as well.  
  • VA accreditation a plus. 
  • Fluency in Spanish or in another non-English language a plus.

Compensation:

Salary is competitive and will depend on experience. 

VOLS offers an excellent benefits package, including health, life, and disability insurance, a retirement plan to which VOLS contributes, and the option to contribute to a 403(b) plan.  We also provide 25 days of paid vacation and 12 days of paid sick leave annually.  

Duration:

This position is funded under a one year grant. Continuation of the position after the one year period will be subject to funding renewal. 

How to Apply:

To apply for the Staff Attorney positions, please email your cover letter and resume to apply@volsprobono.org with the subject “Application for Elderly Project Staff Attorney.”  Please visit our site www.volsprobono.org, and in your cover letter, provide a brief explanation of your personal or professional interest and/or experience as it relates to VOLS’ work.  Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.  No phone or email inquiries, please. VOLS is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, sex, religion, or any other prohibited category.

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