Staff 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 Description

Legal Services of the Hudson Valley (LSHV) has an immediate opening in our Nanuet, New York office for a full-time Elder Law/General Practice Staff Attorney to provide legal services to low-income individuals, older adults, and other vulnerable populations. The Staff Attorney will represent clients in matters involving the necessities of life, including but not limited to Elder Law, Housing, Public Benefits, Consumer Law, Health Care Access, Advance Directives, Guardianship, Long-Term Care Planning, and related civil legal issues.

The attorney will serve eligible individuals and families residing in Rockland County, with a particular focus on helping older adults maintain independence, access essential benefits and services, protect their rights, and address barriers to economic and housing stability. The position also includes representation in matters involving prevention of eviction, denials or terminations of government benefits, consumer debt and financial exploitation, access to health care, and other issues affecting the well-being of seniors and vulnerable community members.

Essential Duties

• Provide individual client representation in matters related to Elder Law and general civil legal practice.
• Represent clients in administrative hearings, state and federal courts, and appellate proceedings as necessary.
• Maintain a high-volume caseload in a fast-paced and client-centered legal services environment.
• Conduct legal consultations, advocacy, negotiation, and litigation on behalf of eligible clients.
• Participate in community legal education, outreach activities, and training directed at seniors, caregivers, community members, advocates, and service providers.
• Collaborate with community organizations and service providers to identify and address the legal needs of older adults and other vulnerable populations.
• Adhere to program priorities, case handling standards, funder requirements, and the highest professional and ethical standards.
• Serve as a resource to LSHV staff, community partners, and access-to-justice initiatives throughout the service area.

This position offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact by helping older adults and vulnerable individuals preserve their dignity, independence, financial security, and access to essential resources.

Qualifications

• Admission to the New York State Bar or passed the NY bar and awaiting admission; or out of state admission with eligibility for pro hac vice status;
• One or more years of legal experience, including litigation and handling high volume caseload;
• Excellent people skills;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; 
• Ability to handle high stress situations; 
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse group of stakeholders; and
• Valid driver’s license and own transportation

Preferred

• Demonstrated commitment to serving low-income persons with prior experience in legal services or similar program;
• English/Spanish bi-lingual

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.