Attorney - Family Assistance

PURPOSE:
The attorney serves as a primary legal advocate for individuals and families seeking compensation from the September 11 th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) for personal injury and wrongful death claims. This role requires the exercise of legal judgment across exposure, medical, financial, and estate-related issues to develop, submit, and when necessary appeal claims. The attorney also guides the proper collection and distribution of awarded funds to clients and beneficiaries.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Overall responsibility for managing a docket of wrongful death claims
• Counseling clients and families throughout the claims process
• Developing claim strategy for complex and high-value VCF matters
• Screening potential clients to determine eligibility for VCF benefits, identifying evidentiary gaps and legal or factual risks, and working with the team to address them
• Evaluating claim strength, weaknesses, and appeal viability
• Investigating claims and gathering the proof necessary to substantiate eligibility and losses, including proof of presence and exposure, proof of an eligible illness, and proof of all compensable losses
• Directing and supervising client advocates in the preparation, submission, and ongoing management of VCF claims
• Ensuring that claims are submitted in good order in a timely manner
• Reviewing and analyzing medical and disability records in connection with claims, and preparing memoranda regarding medical proof
• Reviewing and analyzing financial documentation, including life insurance information, tax returns, and pension records
• Reviewing estate documents to confirm legal authority to bring a VCF claim, and to ensure the proper collection and distribution of VCF awards
• Coordinating with in-house and outside estate counsel
• Drafting supporting correspondence and memoranda to the VCF on claim-related issues
• Drafting appeals, preparing testimony, and conducting hearings before the VCF
• Responding to VCF requests for additional information and documentation
• Participating in new client outreach, including speaking engagements, informational sessions, and community events
• Assisting with special projects as may be necessary
• Staying current on VCF policies, and procedures and program changes

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Strong written, verbal and presentation skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Highly organized and analytical, and able to manage multiple matters simultaneously
• Strong relationship building and client-facing skills
• High levels of empathy and patience
• Sound professional judgment
• J.D. and admission to New York Bar or another U.S. State bar
• Proficiency with MS Office, experience with Salesforce or similar case-management systems a plus
• Creative and analytical mind, able to strategize and problem-solve
• Familiarity with medical documentation
• Personal accountability and adherence to standards of ethical behavior and professional conduct
• Team collaborator with excellent interpersonal skills
• Must be willing to be in the office four days per week
• Must be available for new client calls at least one weekend day per month

 
COMPENSATION:  
$90,000 - $120,000 depending on experience and qualifications. Candidates with substantial directly relevant experience may be considered at a higher compensation level. Compensation is determined based on experience, qualifications and internal equity.

WHO WE ARE:
Barasch & McGarry is proud to be the nation’s leading advocate for the 9/11 community, representing more 9/11 victims than any other law firm. No one has filed more claims with the Victim Compensation Fund or helped more people enroll in the free World Trade Center Health Program. With their office just steps from Ground Zero, they felt the impact that day and continue to feel it today through their work with more than 25,000 members of the 9/11 community.

Barasch & McGarry is an equal opportunity employer, where employment is based upon personal capabilities and qualifications, in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. The Firm strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against team members, applicants, interns, or any other covered persons because of age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, including pregnancy, gender, actual or perceived gender identity or expression, transgender status, actual or perceived sexual orientation, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, marital status, familial status, caregiver status, military status, including past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, victim of domestic violence status, sexual or reproductive health decision making, actual or perceived physical or mental disability or any other protected characteristic as established by law.