Staff Attorney – Housing (Full‑Time)

About the role

LawNY’s Jamestown office is seeking a full‑time Staff Attorney to join its Housing Unit. The attorney will primarily handle eviction‑defense matters for low‑income clients in Chautauqua County and provide support across towns and villages in Cattaraugus County. The role demands compassion, patience, and the ability to guide clients through crisis situations.

Key responsibilities

• Maintain a full‑time caseload representing eligible clients in the Eviction Prevention Unit.
• Develop and sustain specialized knowledge of landlord‑tenant law, subsidized housing, and related government benefits.
• Provide legal advice, negotiate settlements, litigate cases, and conduct administrative advocacy for low‑income clients.
• Engage respectfully with clients from diverse backgrounds, emphasizing cultural competence.
• Collaborate with fellow advocates, human‑services providers, non‑profits, courts, and the private bar to address community legal issues and deliver legal education.
• Contribute to a safe, healthy workplace and fulfill grant‑reporting, program‑reporting, and time‑keeping requirements.

Required profile

• Admission to practice law and good standing in New York State.
• Demonstrated commitment to serving low‑income populations.
• Excellent oral and written communication abilities.

Required skills

• Legal research
• Litigation
• Negotiation
• Case management
• Housing‑law expertise

What we offer

• Salary range $75,000 – $111,100 (based on experience).
• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
• Generous benefits: 94% employer‑paid medical premium, 100% employer‑paid dental, vision, life, short‑term and long‑term disability.
• 20 paid vacation days, 12 sick days, 5 personal days, and 13.5 holidays plus 2 floating holidays.
• 35‑hour work week with a hybrid schedule (up to 3 remote days for new staff, increasing after 6 months).