OVS (Office of Victim Services) - Staff Attor

Accountabilities:

The Staff Attorney will provide comprehensive legal services to eligible crime victims while maintaining high professional, programmatic, and case-handling standards in a demanding environment.

• Represent domestic violence survivors in Family Law matters, including Family Offense proceedings, Orders of Protection, custody, visitation, and child support.
• Handle domestic violence-related Immigration matters, including U-Visa applications, Battered Spouse Waivers, Self-Petitions, and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS).
• Represent clients in additional civil legal matters when appropriate, including matrimonial issues, housing, public benefits, and consumer debt.
• Manage a high-volume caseload involving individual client representation and litigation.
• Represent clients in state and federal courts, administrative hearings, Immigration Court, and appellate proceedings.
• Provide legal advocacy and support to individuals and families primarily residing in Ulster County who meet eligibility requirements.
• Participate in community legal education and outreach activities for community members, advocates, and service providers.
• Follow applicable program and case-handling standards, funder requirements, and professional legal standards.
• Serve as a legal resource for colleagues and broader access-to-justice communities.
• Navigate sensitive and high-stress situations with professionalism, sound judgment, and a client-centered approach.

Requirements

The ideal candidate brings strong legal experience, excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to manage complex matters and a demanding caseload while working effectively with diverse stakeholders.

• Admission to the New York State Bar, or successful completion of the NY Bar while awaiting admission.
• Alternatively, admission in another state with eligibility for pro hac vice status.
• At least 1 year of legal experience, including litigation and management of a high-volume caseload.
• Excellent interpersonal and people skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to remain effective and composed in high-stress situations.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse range of clients, colleagues, advocates, and other stakeholders.
• Valid driver's license and access to personal transportation.
• Demonstrated commitment to serving low-income individuals is preferred.
• Prior experience in legal services or a similar program is preferred.
• English/Spanish bilingual proficiency is preferred.

Benefits

• Annual salary of $78,850–$145,203, depending on experience and union scale.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Life insurance and long-term disability coverage.
• Defined contribution to a 403(b) retirement plan.
• Loan repayment assistance.
• Paid parental leave.
• After a brief probationary period, the position may allow work from home up to two days per week.
• Opportunity to provide meaningful legal advocacy to crime victims and low-income individuals.
• Exposure to Family Law, Immigration, housing, public benefits, consumer, and other civil legal matters.
• Opportunities for community legal education and outreach.