Pro Bono Coordinating Attorney

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 Summary

The Pro Bono Coordinating Attorney will work with the Pro Bono Director in increasing pro bono involvement throughout the seven counties that comprise LSHV’s service area. This position includes assisting clients with CPLR 1101 applications and attorney assignments in assigned counsel divorce matters, as well as managing virtual and in-person legal clinics, training and communicating with law firm and corporate partners, and coordinating pro bono attorney and in-house volunteer activities. The position includes interacting with clients and providing direct legal services to some clients, including litigation.

Reporting to: Attorney in Charge 

Work Location: White Plains

Job type:  Full time (exempt) 

Hours/week: 35 (Hybrid/remote/in person)

Responsibilities

• Assist in program development to increase pro bono activities in the 7 counties of LSHV’s service area.
• Assist clients with CPLR 1101 applications and assign attorneys under the court-established matrimonial assigned counsel program.
• Communicate with and train law firm and corporate partners on collaborative, pro bono projects.
• Coordinate the referral of cases to pro bono attorneys participating in the Volunteer Attorney Program.
• Match volunteer attorneys with LSHV attorney mentors, and vis-a-versa, match LSHV attorneys with pro bono attorney mentors, where appropriate.
• Ensure pro bono attorneys deliver high-quality legal services to LSHV’s clients.
• Coordinate activities of in-house volunteers and track volunteer hours.
• Assist with LSHV’s Continuing Legal Education program, as LSHV is an accredited CLE provider.
• Develop, manage, implement, and evaluate clinics for pro se clients in various legal areas.
• Provide legal information and assistance to clients from advice to full representation, where appropriate.
• Assist in planning volunteer recognition events.
• Participate in outreach events.
• Perform administrative duties and other duties, as assigned by supervisor.

Qualifications

• Five or more years’ legal experience; member in good standing of the New York State Bar.
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with clients, staff, volunteers, and a diverse group of stakeholders.
• Comfort in public speaking; interacting with private attorneys, judges, and court personnel; and training on substantive areas of law.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with colleagues.
• Capacity to establish priorities and achieve results.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, technology, interpersonal, organizational, and problem-solving skills; attention to detail.
• Interest in working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Flexible work attitude, enthusiasm for pro bono work, and the mission of LSHV.
• Willingness and ability to travel to LSHV’s offices, other locations within our catchment area, and occasionally to NYC, as needed. 

Preferred

• Spanish fluency is desirable.
• Experience in matrimonial, family, and housing law.
• Experience in training other attorneys on substantive areas of law.

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.