Staff Attorney

Position Title: Staff Attorney

Practice Area/Department: Economic Security Project

Office Location(s): Utica, Binghamton, or Syracuse, NY

Hours: 32–35 Hours per week

Salary Range: $78,000.00 to $96,294.00 (DOE)

Supervisor: Managing Attorney

Posting Date: February 10, 2026

Application Deadline: Until position is filled

About LASMNY

The Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York, Inc. (LASMNY) is a non-profit public interest law firm that provides free legal information, advice, and representation to people who cannot afford a lawyer. Our staff serves thirteen counties: Broome, Chenango, Cayuga, Cortland, Delaware, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego, and Otsego. In addition, our Agricultural Worker Project (AWP) provides services to agricultural workers throughout New York State.

Mission Statement

LASMNY’s mission is to provide free legal assistance to low-income individuals facing civil legal issues that impact basic needs such as housing, safety, income, and healthcare. We are committed to protecting the rights of vulnerable populations including seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, immigrants, and survivors of domestic violence.

Job Summary

The Staff Attorney for the Economic Security Project will provide high-quality legal representation to low-income individuals in matters involving public benefits, including Medicaid, Food Stamps (SNAP), Family Assistance, Safety Net Assistance, and unemployment benefits. The attorney will represent clients in administrative hearings and appeals, litigate Article 78 proceedings, and advocate for individuals facing benefit denials, terminations, or reductions. This position also involves community education and outreach to empower clients and service providers, offering holistic assistance to those experiencing loss of benefits or other financial hardship.

Essential Job Duties

• Represent clients at administrative Fair Hearings and unemployment insurance hearings before Administrative Law Judges.
• Litigate Article 78 proceedings in New York State Supreme Court to challenge arbitrary or capricious agency decisions and ensure judicial oversight of administrative actions.
• Advocate for clients in a broad range of public benefits matters, including SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, Family Assistance, and Safety Net Assistance.
• Pursue administrative appeals to the Unemployment Insurance Appeal Board and initiate exhaustion of administrative remedies required for judicial review.
• Conduct complex legal research and draft high-level legal documents, including Petitions for Article 78 review, Notices of Motion, Fair Hearing requests, and appellate briefs.
• Manage discovery and records requests, including FOIL requests to government agencies to build a comprehensive administrative record.
• Prepare clients and witnesses for testimony and gather medical, financial, and other evidence essential for hearings and court filings.
• Negotiate settlements with agency counsel and representatives to secure retroactive benefits and prevent termination of essential income supports.
• Pursue emergency relief, such as Aid Continuing, expedited Fair Hearings, and Preliminary Injunctions or Temporary Restraining Orders in Supreme Court when benefits are at immediate risk.
• Stay current on evolving case law regarding New York State administrative procedures and social services regulations.
• Deliver “Know Your Rights” presentations and community outreach focused on navigating Fair Hearings and challenging agency denials.
• Collaborate with pro bono attorneys and other stakeholders to expand capacity for Article 78 litigation and benefits advocacy.
• Maintain meticulous case records in compliance with LSC regulations and LASMNY policies.
• Participate in staff meetings, project work group meetings, and trainings.
• Exhibit a strong commitment to advancing LASMNY’s mission.

Professional Standards

• Demonstrate the highest level of professionalism when handling confidential and sensitive client information.
• Communicate effectively and courteously with clients, attorneys, court personnel, and community partners.
• Maintain regular and predictable attendance in accordance with organizational policies.
• Adapt to new technologies and systems, including legal research tools and case management software.
• Comply with all Legal Services Corporation regulations, LASMNY policies and procedures, and grant-based reporting requirements.
• Perform additional responsibilities and duties as assigned by a supervisor based on agency needs.

Required Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school with zero to five years of experience.
• Admission to practice law in New York State. Law school graduates registered for the New York State Bar Exam, or eligible for admission on motion, are encouraged to apply.
• Excellent written, analytical, organizational, and oral advocacy skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to public interest law and serving communities facing systemic barriers to justice.
• Ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively, and manage a high volume of cases.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in public benefits law, unemployment insurance, or administrative hearings preferred.
• Proficiency in languages other than English preferred.

Compensation and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary, starting at $78,000.00 for law graduates with no experience and up to $96,294.00 for licensed attorneys with five years of experience. LASMNY provides a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement contributions, paid leave, and professional development opportunities.

Qualified candidates are invited to apply through our online application system. Click on the following link to apply: https://workforcenow.adp.com/

Equal Opportunity Employer

LASMNY is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.

LASMNY provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities during the application process. Please contact Human Resources to request assistance.

Visit our website | lasmny.org