OVS (Office of Victim Services) - Staff Attor

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 30,000 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.

Position Description

Legal Services of the Hudson Valley (LSHV) has an immediate opening based in our Kingston, New York, office for a full-time OVS General Practice Staff Attorney assisting crime victims. The attorney will primarily work with domestic violence survivors on Family and Immigration matters, including, but not limited to, Family Offense proceedings to obtain Orders of Protection, Custody, Visitation, Child Support; and Domestic Violence-related Immigration matters including U-Visa applications, Battered Spouse Waivers, Self-Petitions and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS). This position may also include opportunities to assist crime victims with other life necessities, including, but not limited to matrimonials, housing, public benefits, and consumer debt. The attorney will primarily serve individuals and families living in Ulster County who qualify. Please note that the attorney is based in our Kingston office.

Duties of the Position: Individual client representation, litigation in state and federal courts as well as administrative hearings, Immigration Court, and appellate practice. The person hired will be expected to handle a high-volume caseload in an often fast-paced and demanding environment. Participation in community legal education and outreach activities directed at community members, advocates and service providers. Additionally, 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.

Requirements

• Admission to the New York State Bar or passed the NY bar and awaiting admission; or out of state admission with eligibility for pro hac vice status;

• One or more years of legal experience, including litigation and handling high volume caseload;

• Excellent people skills;

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;

• Ability to handle high stress situations;

• Ability to work effectively with a diverse group of stakeholders; and

• Valid driver’s license and own transportation

Preferred

• Demonstrated commitment to serving low-income persons with prior experience in legal services or similar program;

• English/Spanish bi-lingual

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