Staff Attorney Domestic Violence OVS- Peekskill, NY

Legal Services of the Hudson Valley

http://www.lshv.org
Job Type: Domestic Violence - Staff Attorney – Peekskill

Schedule Type: Full-Time

About Us

For more than 50 years, Legal Services of the Hudson Valley (LSHV) has been providing free, high-quality legal counsel in civil matters when basic human needs are at stake including: eviction and foreclosure prevention, domestic violence, disability, elder law, healthcare, consumer fraud and more.  Our services support almost 600,000 poor and low-income families and individuals who cannot afford an attorney in our seven-county service area.  With the gap separating those who can and cannot afford legal representation widening each day, we work to ensure that everyone has equal access to justice, regardless of their ability to pay.  As the only provider of comprehensive civil legal services in the lower and mid-Hudson Valley (Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess, Rockland, Orange, Ulster and Sullivan), LSHV is proud to have handled over 12,000 cases impacting nearly 30,000 household members including 10,000 children last year. LSHV is made up of ten offices, and a dedicated and highly skilled staff of attorneys, paralegals and administrative professionals.

Legal Services of the Hudson Valley is dedicated to building a highly skilled workforce that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels supported to bring their authentic selves to work. We are committed to promoting equity for all, and we continuously review and strengthen our processes and practices to support our staff, clients and the communities we serve. Respect is a cornerstone of relationships among our staff. 

Position Description

Legal Services of the Hudson Valley (LSHV) has immediate openings in our Peekskill office for a full-time domestic violence staff attorney who will serve survivors of domestic violence and crime victims in civil and administrative proceedings: primary areas of practice include representation in family offenses, custody, visitation, support and related matters in Westchester Family Court, and may include other areas of general practice relevant to client need such as immigration, representation before victim compensation board, and consumer matters.

Duties of the Position: intakes and individual case work, litigation in state courts, trials, motions, including appellate practice, and education and outreach efforts directed at community members, advocates and service providers.  The person hired will also be expected to adhere to program and case handling standards, funder requirements, the highest professional standards, and be available as a resource to LSHV staff and access to justice communities.

Qualifications

• Admission to the New York State Bar or passed the NY bar and awaiting admission; or out of state admission with willingness and eligibility to be admitted in New York;
  • One or more years of legal experience, including litigation, or its equivalent; or a demonstrated commitment to family law including law school classes and prior internships;
  • Understanding of the nature and dynamics of domestic violence;
  • Excellent people skills;
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
  • Ability to work effectively with a diverse group of stakeholders.

Preferred

• Demonstrated commitment to serving low-income persons with prior experience in legal services or similar program;
• English/Spanish bilingual strongly preferred
• Experience representing clients in family court proceedings. 

Salary: $78,850 - $145,784, DOE, union scale, with excellent benefits that include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and long-term disability coverage, as well as a defined contribution to a 403 (b), loan repayment assistance, and paid parental leave.  After a brief probationary period, this position may permit work from home up to two days per week. Professional development includes access to job-related training, a Mentoring Program, and an Emerging Leaders Program.

Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.