Housing Staff Attorney, Poughkeepsie, NY

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 9,000 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 diverse communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. We are committed to racial justice and promoting equity for all, and we continuously review and strengthen our processes and practices to empower our staff, clients and the communities we serve. Respect is a cornerstone of relationships among our staff.  Our affinity groups are self-directed and provide a space for members to support one another and their shared vision. We encourage applications from people of all identities.

Position Description

Legal Services of the Hudson Valley (LSHV) has an immediate opening in its Poughkeepsie, NY office for a full-time staff attorney to work on housing matters in Dutchess County.  The attorney will also serve low-income individuals and families with matters including eviction, unlawful lockouts, habitability issues and succession rights challenges.   As many of our clients have protected housing or have specialized housing vouchers, the work will include section 8 and other hearings on voucher changes or terminations. The position will cover Dutchess County.

Duties of the Position: individual case work, administrative advocacy and litigation in city courts and justice courts, including appellate practice, and education and outreach efforts directed at community members, advocates and service providers.  The person hired will also be expected to adhere to program and case handling standards, funder requirements, the highest professional standards, and be available as a resource to LSHV staff and access to justice communities.  Occasional appearances in night court pertaining to housing matters, will be required.

Qualifications

• Member in good standing of the New York State Bar; or out of state admission with eligibility and willingness to be admitted in NYS. LSHV will consider law school graduates who plan to take the NYS Bar Exam
• Understanding of the nature and dynamics of housing and benefits;
• Ability to handle a large caseload;
• Excellent people skills;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse group of stakeholders;
• Valid Driver License and access to own vehicle.

Preferred

• Two or more years of legal experience, including litigation, preferably with background in housing;
• Demonstrated commitment to serving low-income persons with prior experience in legal services or similar program

Salary: $68,351 - $126,373, DOE, union scale, with excellent benefits that include medical, dental, vision, life insurance and long-term disability coverages, as well as a defined contribution to 403b, 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.

 Legal Services of the Hudson Valley is a proud equal opportunity employer. People of all races, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, and veteran status, are strongly encouraged to apply.