Staff Attorney - Domestic Violence​/Sexual Assault

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Bath office of LawNY® seeks to fill an immediate opening for a full time Staff Attorney in its Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Unit to provide direct legal representation primarily in family court for victims of domestic violence and/or sexual assault, including family offense petitions, custody/visitation, and child support, as well as providing civil legal services to victims to enhance victim safety, improve financial security and hold offenders accountable.

In addition to family court practice, the Staff Attorney will also provide legal services to DV/SA victims in other civil areas of law, including public benefits, disability benefits, housing, and consumer, that relate to the domestic violence and/or sexual assault.

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. The candidate must have the caring, patience, and emotional maturity to help low‑income people overcome crisis situations.

Staff Attorneys at LawNY® provide comprehensive legal services to eligible clients and the ideal candidate should have a strong understanding of how civil legal issues affecting communities with low‑income intersect with social and economic justice. Staff Attorneys play a critical role in realizing LawNY®’s vision of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Every Staff Attorney is expected to actively engage in learning and becoming increasingly skilled in practice that supports this vision.

The beginning salary for a Staff Attorney at LawNY with no experience is $75,000 and the salary for a Staff Attorney with thirty years of experience is $111,100. 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)

Legal Assistance of Western New York, Inc. (LawNY®) is an equal opportunity employer. LawNY® strongly encourages applications from Black, Indigenous and People of Color, women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, and persons from other underrepresented groups whose background may contribute to working in and sustaining an environment that enables staff and clients to feel empowered, valued, respected, and safe. LawNY® welcomes applications regardless of race, color, religion, veteran status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other consideration protected by law.

These are the basic requirements for the position.

• Juris Doctorate or Equivalent
• Admitted to practice and in good standing in New York State.
• Demonstrated commitment of service to people with low‑income.

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

• Maintain a full‑time caseload representing eligible clients
• Develop and maintain specialized knowledge in the dynamics of domestic violence and sexual assault, providing trauma‑informed legal services, family court represent ion for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, and legal advice and supportive services through the criminal justice process, as well as representation in other civil legal matters as they relate to the victimization.

• Provides legal services to low income clients and client groups regarding these matters including advice, negotiation, litigation and administrative advocacy.
• Interacts respectfully with clients and staff from a…