Family Defense Unit 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 27,000 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.

Job Description

Legal Services of the Hudson Valley (LSHV) has an immediate opening for a full-time Staff Attorney in Westchester County to be part of the multidisciplinary Family Defense Unit (FDU) to serve parents who are accused of neglect and abuse in investigations, administrative hearings, Article 10, Permanency Planning, and Termination of Parental Rights matters as well as other related family court matters in the White Plains, Yonkers, and New Rochelle Family Courts. The position will be based out of the White Plains office but will require travel throughout Westchester County and appearances in all three Family Courts.

Position Summary

The Staff Attorney is responsible for providing high-quality legal representation and advocacy to eligible clients in matters involving child welfare and family court proceedings. As a member of Legal Services of the Hudson Valley's Multidisciplinary Family Defense Unit (FDU), the Staff Attorney represents parents accused of neglect or abuse in investigations, administrative hearings, Article 10 proceedings, permanency planning hearings, termination of parental rights matters, and other related family court cases in collaboration with social workers and Family Advocates.

Responsibilities

• Maintain the very highest standards of practice and provide client-centered legal advocacy
• Interview clients, review documents and conduct legal research
• Provide advice to clients
• Advocate and negotiate on the client’s behalf
• Draft and prepare legal documents, pleadings, motions, briefs and appeals;
• Represent clients in court litigation in Family, Appellate and other Courts
• Represent clients before administrative agencies
• Engage in community relations, outreach and legal education
• Maintain files and record case work in time management system
• Attending relevant training events in areas of law practiced.

Qualifications

• Member in good standing of the New York State Bar;
• Two or more years of legal experience
• Demonstrated commitment to public interest law, legal services, indigent defense, family defense, civil legal aid, or a related area of advocacy.
• Experience representing clients in Family Court, child welfare, or other litigation matters preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and client counseling skills, with the ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Commitment to providing client-centered, trauma-informed, and holistic legal representation.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team that includes attorneys, social workers, parent advocates, paralegals and other professionals.
• Willingness and ability to travel throughout Westchester County and appear regularly in the White Plains, Yonkers, and New Rochelle Family Courts.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in family defense, child welfare, family law, or related litigation.
• Experience working with low-income, vulnerable, or historically marginalized populations.
• Bilingual proficiency, particularly in Spanish, is strongly preferred.

Salary: $78,850 - $145,203, 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.

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