Utica, NY, US
Requisition ID: 1093
Salary Range: $86,400.00 To $109,322.00 Annually
Position Title: Staff Attorney
Practice Area/Department: HelpLine
Office Location(s): Utica, NY
Hours: 35 hours per week
Salary Range: $86,400.00 - $109,322.00 (DOE)
Supervisor: Supervising Attorney
Posting Date: November 9, 2026
Application Deadline: Until position is filled
About LASMNY For nearly 75 years, the Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York (LASMNY) has provided free civil legal assistance to people who cannot afford an attorney. Our mission is to expand access to the essentials of life through high-quality, compassionate legal advocacy and education. Because legal problems rarely occur in isolation, we take a holistic approach that addresses the interconnected challenges affecting housing, income, benefits, health, and family stability. By working across practice areas and partnering with community organizations, we help clients achieve lasting solutions that extend beyond a single legal matter. Through offices in Utica, Syracuse, Binghamton, Oswego, Oneonta, and Watertown, LASMNY serves residents of thirteen counties across Central New York. Our Agricultural Worker Project also provides legal services to farmworkers throughout New York State. Job Summary The HelpLine serves as LASMNY's primary point of entry for clients across our thirteen-county service area. The HelpLine handles more than one-third of all cases closed by LASMNY each year. Attorneys provide legal advice, review notices and documents, prepare letters and forms, and connect clients who need additional assistance with LASMNY practice groups and community partners. A growing share of HelpLine calls involve public benefits. Recent and anticipated changes to programs such as SNAP and Medicaid are creating uncertainty for many households, while older adults and people with disabilities increasingly seek assistance with Medicaid and Medicare eligibility, coverage, and appeals. The Staff Attorney will help clients understand agency notices, meet important deadlines, request fair hearings, and maintain access to essential benefits. The attorney will also play a key role in helping the HelpLine respond to evolving policies and regulations. The Staff Attorney provides legal advice and brief services primarily by telephone, identifies related legal issues that may require further assistance, and ensures compliance with Legal Services Corporation (LSC) regulations, grant requirements, and LASMNY policies. This position is ideal for an attorney who communicates effectively, exercises sound judgment, and enjoys helping people resolve legal problems efficiently and compassionately. Essential Job Duties
Provide legal advice, brief services, and referrals by telephone and online to residents of LASMNY's thirteen-county service area on public benefits, housing, consumer, family, and other civil legal matters.
Advise callers on SNAP, Medicaid, public assistance, and other public benefits, including applications, recertifications, work requirements, reductions, terminations, and overpayment claims.
Help older adults and people with disabilities resolve Medicaid and Medicare problems, including eligibility, enrollment, the Medicare Savings Programs, and coverage denials.
Assist callers with applying for fair hearings, including requesting aid continuing where available, and prepare callers to represent themselves at hearings or refer them for representation.
Prepare brief-service documents, including advice letters, letters to agencies and landlords, and forms and pleadings for self-represented litigants.
Identify emergencies, such as an imminent loss of benefits, housing, or utilities, and route callers for prompt action.
Screen callers for related legal needs and make effective referrals to LASMNY's practice areas, partner legal services organizations, and community resources.
Track trends in benefits calls, share updates on changing rules with HelpLine colleagues,
Maintain accurate case, time, and grant reporting records in the case management system.
Stay current on developments in public benefits and other areas of poverty law and maintain required Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits.
Professional Standards
Demonstrate the highest level of professionalism and discretion when handling confidential and sensitive client information.
Treat every caller with patience and respect, including callers who are in crisis or frustrated.
Communicate effectively and courteously with clients, staff, attorneys, agency staff, and community partners.
Maintain regular and predictable attendance in accordance with organizational policies, including scheduled HelpLine coverage.
Adapt to new technologies and systems, including telephone systems, legal research tools, and case management software.
Comply with all Legal Services Corporation regulations, LASMNY policies and procedures, and other grant-based reporting requirements.
Perform additional responsibilities and duties as assigned by a supervisor based on agency needs.
Required Qualifications
Juris Doctor (J.D.) or Master of Laws (LL.M.) from an accredited law school.
Admission to practice law in New York State. Attorneys admitted in another jurisdiction and eligible for admission on motion are encouraged to apply.
Demonstrated commitment to serving low-income communities and advancing equal access to justice.
Excellent listening, verbal, and written communication skills.
Ability to manage a high volume of matters, set priorities, and make sound judgments quickly.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, case management systems, and computerized legal research.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Preferred Qualifications
At least one year of relevant legal experience.
Experience with public benefits, including SNAP, Medicaid, or Medicare.
Experience with fair hearings or other administrative advocacy.
Experience with a legal hotline or another high-volume case setting.
Proficiency in languages other than English.
Compensation and Benefits
This is a full-time, non-union position with a 35-hour workweek. Salary starts at $86,400.00 for newly admitted attorneys and rises to $109,322.00 for attorneys with twelve years of experience. Placement is based on years of relevant experience. LASMNY anticipates increasing its pay scale in early 2027.
LASMNY offers a generous benefits package, and most benefits begin on the date of hire. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; basic and voluntary life insurance; a Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Accounts; employer retirement contributions; paid vacation, sick, personal, parental, and bereavement leave; fourteen paid holidays; paid CLE registration, attorney registration fees, and local and New York State bar dues; professional development and training opportunities; mileage reimbursement and parking; relocation assistance; and an Employee Assistance Program. LASMNY is a qualifying employer for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
Application Process
Qualified candidates are invited to apply through our online application system with a cover letter, resume, and three professional references. Click on the following link to apply: https://workforcenow.adp.com/ (https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=a870825d-c790-452d-9156-c0139ba5ed5c&ccId=19000101\000001&source=CC2&lang=en\US&selectedMenuKey=CurrentOpenings) .
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
