Senior Staff Attorney for the Senior Citizens Law Program - Touro University New York
Central Islip, NY 11722
About the Job
Touro University Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center is seeking to hire the Senior Staff Attorney for the Senior Citizens Law Program. The Senior Citizens Law Program represents seniors, age 60+, who reside in Suffolk County, New York. The Senior Staff Attorney is the supervisor of the Senior Citizens Law Program and is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the program including: supervising Program staff, supervising students, handling client cases, and complying with reporting requirements to Suffolk County Office for the Aging. The Senior Citizens Law Program conducts educational programs for seniors, caregivers, and others who work within the senior community, and the Senior Staff Attorney will be required to present at various events on- and off-campus throughout the year.The Senior Staff Attorney is expected to model a high level of ethical conduct and professionalism to clients, the courts, and adversaries. Funding for this position is provided by the County of Suffolk, under Title IIIB of the Legal Assistance Program.
Responsibilities:Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Supervisor Duties:
- Interview, hire, train and supervise the staff attorney, paralegal, fellow, legal interns/externs, work-study students, pro bono students and volunteer attorneys.
- Ensure that incoming client calls or emails are returned promptly.
- Oversee assignment and distribution of new cases.
- Review and discuss case requirements and strategies with staff attorney, paralegal, fellow, legal interns/externs.
- Monitor filing and other case deadlines.
- Establish and maintain contact with other organizations that focus on senior citizens issues.
- Review and confirm that monthly reports to Suffolk County Office for the Aging (“SCOFA”) are accurately completed and timely submitted.
- Maintain the highest ethical standards as a member of the State bar and stay current with updates and changes to the law via CLE and research/review.
- Ensure compliance of all program staff with Touro Law Center’s Clinical Programs policies, including documentation of all cases in the case management system, sharing of all client records with clinic management, and clinic client services protocols.
- Legal Duties:
- Meet with and/or provide advice by telephone to senior citizens, age 60+, on durable powers of attorney, health care proxies, living wills, Medicaid applications and requirements, Medicare issues, landlord-tenant matters, Social Security & SSI, public assistance, SNAP benefits and veterans’ benefits, small claims court matters, medical and credit card debts, contract, real property, zoning issues, home repair fraud, Section 8 and subsidized house issues, and other relevant matters.
- Prepare and review all necessary documentation in connection with client representation.
- Represent clients in district and supreme courts on a variety of matters, including landlord-tenant cases, zoning and real property tax issues.
- Draft motions, affirmations, affidavits, and memoranda of law as required.
- Deliver monthly/as needed educational presentations to senior citizen groups, social workers, caseworkers, APS workers, SCOFA case workers, and caregivers on issues affecting senior citizens, POA’s, health care proxies, living wills, consumer debt, and fraud against seniors.
- Act as a liaison to ombudsman when legal questions arise at nursing homes and rehabilitation facilities.
- Litigate, as needed, zoning violation cases in district court.
- Work with Department of Social Services, Adult Protective Services, Family Services League, JASA and other organizations/advocacy groups to assist in resolving problems encountered by senior citizens.
- Other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Clinical Programs.
Education/ Experience
- Juris Doctor degree from an ABA Accredited law school.
- Admission to the New York State Bar.
- 5-7 years of experience in practice of law, preferably handling elder law and landlord tenant matters.
- Supervisory experience a plus.
Knowledge/ Skills/ Abilities
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, Power Point, & Outlook.
- Ability to prioritize and handle multiple cases simultaneously.
- Ability to use cloud-based online case management platform, or willing to learn.
- Ability to work with clients from diverse backgrounds with varied needs.
- Bi-lingual a plus
Travel
- Must be admitted to practice law in New York State
- Travel to court, client homes, or facilities, as needed
- Sitting at computer for long periods of time.
Physical Demands
- Able to lift and carry files to court.
- Able to lift 10 lbs. to carry materials to outreach programs