Project Administrator jobs in Albany, NY

Did you go to law school to push paper, or to make a difference in people’s lives?

If you said “make a difference!” The Legal Project might be a great fit for you.

Who We Are

We believe access to free, compassionate, skilled legal assistance advances the safety, stability, and independence of the people that we serve and strengthens our communities.

Since 1995, we have been making sure the most vulnerable members of our community have a voice in the justice system by providing free legal advice and representation. Whether you’re helping a domestic violence survivor obtain an order of protection from a violent abuser; preventing a bank from foreclosing on a homeowner whose catastrophic medical bills have decimated their finances; or obtaining immigration relief for an undocumented child who was abused and abandoned by their parents, you will make difference in someone’s life every day at The Legal Project. Our programs include family court and divorce representation for domestic violence victims; crime victim assistance; immigration and asylum services; foreclosure prevention; elder law assistance; wills and end of life planning; bankruptcy; veteran’s legal clinics; small business legal assistance; and community legal clinics on general civil legal issues. The Legal Project also provides community education and professional training. For more information on our programs, visit www.legalproject.org

Who You Are:

You believe that access to justice is imperative for communities to thrive and should not depend on a person’s wealth or privilege.

You enjoy working with other attorneys, paralegals, and support staff who believe that everyone deserves the right to legal counsel when faced with major life decisions. You have a creative mind and enjoy brainstorming with others who are all trying to maximize scarce resources to the benefit of our clients. You understand that trauma effects people in different ways, and you patiently meet them where they are to help healing begin. You understand you are often all that is standing between your client and injustice.

What will your typical day look like?

You’ll carry your own briefcase from the start.

If one of your cases has a court appearance, you will be there. You might be providing a legal consultation for a potential new client; following up with your existing clients or with opposing counsel; or drafting paperwork (because, that’s what lawyers do.) You will become an expert in trauma informed care. You will learn about domestic violence, and human trafficking. Maybe you will spend some time seeking guidance from one of our foreclosure defense attorneys to try and save your client’s home. Or maybe collaborate with one of our immigration attorneys when you learn your client is undocumented and terrified her abuser will have her deported, as he has threatened. Other days, your colleagues will come to you for help on their cases. Whatever the day brings, it won’t be boring! You will benefit from a collegial and collaborative culture where everyone is dedicated to the ensuring justice for our clients.

Position Title: Domestic Violence Staff Attorney/Crime Victims Assistance Staff Attorney

Position Summary: The DV/CV Staff Attorney provides legal representation to domestic violence and crime victims in family offense, custody, visitation, support, matrimonial, and other civil legal matters. The Attorney represents clients in all stages of litigation. The Attorney provides consultations giving general legal advice and may participate in legal clinics, conduct trainings for the community, or participate in community partner meetings.

Essential Duties:

· Provide legal services, from consultation to full representation, to victims of domestic violence seeking legal advice in matters including orders of protection, custody, support, matrimonial, and other relevant matters.

· Conduct all aspects of civil practice, including discovery, motion practice, negotiations, trial preparations, and trials.

· Draft legal documents and attend court with victims of domestic violence.

· Prepare witnesses and clients for court appearances

· Maintain comprehensive and precise client case files and internal data logs

· Maintain monthly statistical reports documenting service provision and provide reports or statistical data in compliance with agency reporting requirements.

· Develop and maintain cooperative relationships with others in the legal community. Serve as agency point of contact as needed with community partners, attend related meetings, trainings, and conferences. Make referrals to community resources as appropriate.

· Perform legal research relative to federal, state, and local statutes, ordinances, and regulations

· Maintain an updated knowledge of the field of law related to domestic violence victims.

· Participate in agency activities such as training, conferences, and fundraisers.

· Perform other necessary related or unrelated duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications:

1. Licensed and admitted to practice law in New York State and in good standing with the bar.

2. Two years experience in family law, litigation, or related practice preferred. (Internship and/or law school clinical experience may substitute for some experience.)

3. Excellent research and writing skills with strong attention to detail

4. Strong organizational and administrative skills

5. Effective communicator, especially with non-attorney community partners;

6. Sense of humor and emotional resiliency

7. Impeccable integrity, judgment, and discretion

Applicants with proficiency in languages in addition to English strongly preferred.

Job Type: Full-Time, Exempt

Salary range: $58,000-$63,000 based on experience.

Benefits include:

· Medical, dental/vision, 401K Plan.

· Generous PTO in addition to 11 paid holidays and flexible work environment.

· Enjoy the last week of the year resting and enjoying time with family and friends – we’re closed!

· Working for The Legal Project can qualify you for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program! For more information, please visit www.studentaid.gov/public.service

Living in the Capital Region:

Albany, New York has been named #21 on the US News and World Report’s Best Places to Live 2022/2023, and #1 in New York State! (Eat our dust at #5, NYC)

The Center Square neighborhood in Albany was recently ranked by Forbes as the fourth best neighborhood for young professionals in the country! In the Capital Region, our cost of living is relatively low, and our neighborhoods offer flexibility from urban to rural. You can enjoy hiking in the wilderness in the morning and five-star sidewalk dining downtown on same day (we do suggest you shower first!) Winters offer ample outdoor winter sports and summers offer festivals, fairs, farmers markets, and a variety of outdoor recreational activities. Year round, take in a concert at the MVP Arena, visit the New York State Museum, or head to one of our many galleries and attractions. (If you must visit “#5”, Amtrack takes you straight to Penn Station in two hours. But honestly, why bother, when the Capital Region offers so much?) Need to get away-away? Albany International Airport has been dubbed a “dream for domestic travel” and “ a jet-setting hub that connects locals with nearly every major metropolis in the United States” by Hudson Valley Magazine. (And since we prize work life balance – you actually will be able to take that vacation!)

The Legal Project, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or veteran status. We strongly encourage applications from people with these identities or who are members of other marginalized communities.

Ready To Apply?

Send resume, cover letter, and writing sample addressed to Carla Brogoch, Esq., Legal Director

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $58,000.00 - $66,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Albany, NY 12205: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Bar License for New York State (Required)

Work Location: In person