Staff Attorney - Community Guardian Program

Position Summary: The staff attorney works as part of a team with the Community Guardian Program staff to provide comprehensive legal and advocacy services to guardianship clients.

Principal Responsibilities:

• Handle individual caseload in Article 81 guardianship law including handling guardianship discharges, including seeking permanent placement of a client; seeking expansion or contraction of powers; including Civil Court (Housing) appearances with staff and/or clients.
• Works with and shares responsibility of supervising volunteer attorneys.
• Works with senior management and staff to develop case plans with respect to legal issues.
• Able to competently and timely provide a full range of legal service. These services include, but are not limited to:

• Administrative advocacy and representation at hearings before public and private agencies and authorities
• Litigations in state courts
• Drafting pleadings and other legal documents
• Obtaining and reviewing documents and records
• Legal research and writing
• Negotiating and settling matters
• Interviewing clients and providing appropriate advice
• Referral to other sources of legal assistance

• J.D. is required. At least two years' experience in, guardianship, elder or administrative law, is desirable, with experience in client representation, advocacy, training, and community education regarding Medicaid and other government entitlement programs. Experience and/or demonstrated commitment in community service, government benefits, and social justice issues are desirable
• Must have a license to practice law in the State of New York and maintain active registration with the New York State Office of Court Administration
• At least 2 years of experience in guardianship, elder or administrative law
• Problem solving abilities while multi-tasking; ability to exercise sound judgment
• Strong analytical and computer skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to draft legal documents, briefs, using correct citation form and organization
• Excellent customer service and organizational skills

• Business office environment with phone and computer use.
• Must be able to travel locally to make off-site court visits.