Prisoners’ Legal Services of New York (PLS) is seeking applicants for the position of a Staff Attorney focusing on conditions of confinement for the PLS Newburgh Office.

 

About PLS

 

PLS is a non-profit legal services organization providing civil legal services to indigent individuals in New York State correctional facilities in cases where no other counsel is available. Founded in 1976 in response to the Attica uprising, PLS has regional offices in Albany, Buffalo, Ithaca and Newburgh.  PLS engages in civil rights advocacy and litigation on behalf of incarcerated New Yorkers primarily in cases involving claims of deliberate indifference to serious mental health and medical needs, unconstitutional conditions of confinement, prolonged placement in solitary confinement, treatment of juveniles and veterans, child visitation and support, excessive use of force, and sentence computation issues. The PLS Immigration Unit also represents immigrants facing deportation and assists in other matters for detained immigrants.  Additionally, the Newburgh office assists individuals facing legal barriers upon re-entry to the community through our Pre-Release and Re-Entry Project.  

 

Job Description

 

PLS is seeking to hire attorneys who are committed to providing legal services to the disadvantaged.  Applicants must be admitted to practice in New York State or have recently taken the N.Y. State Bar exam. The ideal applicants will have experience in at least one of the following areas: prisoners’ rights, New York State family law, veterans’ rights, civil legal services, civil rights, poverty law or federal litigation. Applicants should be self-motivated and capable of complex analytical work. Applicants must possess excellent legal research and writing skills, strong communications skills, and a desire to work in a collaborative work environment.  Typical duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

 

• Conduct thorough legal intakes with clients in need
• Represent diverse clients in various and dynamic legal areas
• Litigate and conduct trials when necessary
• Investigate facts through interviews and document collection
• Advocate zealously on behalf of clients
• Prepare a variety of legal documents for own cases as well as assist other attorneys
• Perform legal research
• Draft and distribute various outreach materials
• Timely data entry in client database and other outlets
• Manage and assign tasks to volunteers as needed
• Report to supervising attorneys on cases, legal strategies, scheduling, and other matters
• Work closely and collaborate with PLS’ team of experienced attorneys, supervisors, and case handlers, and receive both hands-on and formal training
• Other responsibilities as assigned

 

 

Qualifications

 

• J.D. degree and admission or pending admission to New York State Bar is required
• Strong research and writing skills
• Excellent oral and analytical skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to juggle a variety of tasks and roles often under time pressure
• Ability to work in and value a collaborative team model
• Ability to collaborate successfully with other groups and organizations
• Ability to communicate effectively with clients, community organizations, attorneys, the judiciary and the public
• Fluency in Spanish is preferred
• Civil legal services, clinical, fellowship, and/or clerkship experience preferred
• Demonstrated commitment to representing vulnerable populations and knowledge of the complex and systemic issues faced by our clients
• Experience working with diverse communities and clients who are survivors of trauma

 

Salary and Benefits

 

PLS offers a salary that is competitive with other public interest law firms in upstate New York. The current salary range for this position is $61,000 – $78,500, depending on experience. PLS offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, short-and long-term disability, life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan.

 

PLS’ Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

 

All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of sex, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship, pregnancy or veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

 

How to Apply

 

Please send a cover letter, resume, writing sample and at least three (3) references by email to: ypereyaslavskiy@plsny.org. Due to the volume of applications expected, only people who are contacted for interviews will receive a response. The positions will remain open until filled.