Mental Hygiene Legal Advocate — Appellate & Court Litigation

ANNOUNCEMENT NO. 52633

The Appellate Division, Second Judicial Department is currently seeking applications for an Attorney in the Court’s Mental Hygiene Legal Service. Attorney (JG 23) Base salary: $84,659 + $4,920 locality pay Qualifications: Admission to the New York State Bar or graduation from an accredited law school and admission to the New York State Bar within 18 months of appointment. Distinguishing features of work: Under direct supervision, attorneys serve in a confidential capacity, research legal questions and issues, prepare cases for administrative proceedings and litigation in the courts, and perform related duties. Attorneys provide legal research and advocacy services in the Mental Hygiene Legal Services, attorney disciplinary committees, 18B panel administration, or other such units. Senior Attorney (JG 26) Base salary: $99,490 + $4,920 locality pay Qualifications: Admission to the New York State Bar and two (2) years of service in the Attorney title, or equivalent legal experience. Distinguishing features of work: With substantial independence from supervision, senior attorneys serve in a confidential capacity, research legal questions and issues, organize investigations, prepare and present cases before administrative tribunals and courts, and perform related duties. Senior attorneys provide legal research and advocacy services in the Mental Hygiene Legal Services, attorney disciplinary committees, 18B panel administration, or other such units. They may also oversee a departmental law guardian program. Associate Attorney (JG 28) Base salary: $110,853 + $4,920 locality pay Qualifications: Admission to the New York State Bar and two (2) years of service in the Senior Attorney title, or equivalent legal experience. Distinguishing features of work: Associate attorneys serve in a confidential capacity, research legal questions and issues, organize complex investigations, prepare and present complex cases before administrative tribunals and trial and appellate courts, and perform related duties. Associate attorneys provide legal research and advocacy services in the Mental Hygiene Legal Services, attorney disciplinary committees, 18B panel administration, or other such units. They may also oversee a departmental law guardian program. Location Mentally Hygiene Legal Service – White Plains, Westchester County Classification Non-competitive/confidential Assignment The Mental Hygiene Legal Service (“MHLS”) provides legal representation and advocacy to individuals with mental and developmental disabilities, and those alleged to be in need of mental health services, in legal matters including civil and criminal commitment, treatment over objection, guardianship, sex offender civil management, and assisted outpatient treatment. MHLS attorneys regularly appear in the New York courts in cases concerning involuntary hospitalization and psychiatric treatment. Attorneys also frequently engage in fieldwork, including meeting with clients at psychiatric hospitals, prisons, other facilities or private residences. MHLS attorneys advocate informally on behalf of clients in hospital and residential settings and represent them at administrative hearings. MHLS attorneys handle all aspects of civil litigation, from discovery management through bench and jury trials as well as hearings before the NYS Supreme Court. MHLS attorneys also manage client interviews, expert witness testimony, legal research and motion practice. In addition, this position offers attorneys the opportunity to represent clients in complex cases brought under the New York State Sexual Offender Management and Treatment Act. Some litigation experience is preferred but not required. A valid driver’s license and car are required. Posting Date May 18, 2026 – Applications must be postmarked or received by June 15, 2026. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement The New York State Unified Court System is an equal opportunity employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender (including pregnancy and gender identity or expression), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, membership in an employee organization, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor. #J-18808-Ljbffr NACBA