Job Opportunities API

The mission of the Volunteer Lawyers Project of CNY, Inc. (VLP) is to provide access to justice through engaging the legal community in volunteer service to those in need. VLP receives funding from a variety of public and private sources and enjoys strong support of local bar associations. We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate full-time Family Law Attorney to provide direct legal representation to kinship caregivers in Family Court and to victims of domestic violence and other crimes in family law and divorce matters. This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by helping vulnerable individuals and families navigate complex legal issues while working collaboratively with community partners and service providers. This position is funded by Onondaga County as well as a NYS Office of Victim Services grant focused on supporting survivors through trauma-informed legal services. This attorney would report directly to the Program Director for Family Law. Duties to include: • Provide comprehensive legal representation to survivors in areas including orders of protection, custody, child support, and divorce; • Be an advocate for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and intimate partner violence in family law matters and divorce; • Conducting client intakes and needs assessment as well as safety planning in a trauma informed culturally responsive matter; • Drafting, including petitions, pleadings, motions, financial disclosure, client statements, and affidavits; • Preparing court communications and filings; • Regular communication with clients and work to advance client cases, including following up with clients and courts to obtain necessary documentation; • Conduct legal research as needed to support the program; • Assist with creation of effective educational materials and presentations to support volunteer attorneys, clients, community partners, and staff; • Collaborate with law enforcement, medical providers, shelters, victim advocates, and other service providers to ensure holistic support for survivors. • Maintain up-to-date client files, and lead all aspects of client case management, including some data entry and use of case management software; • Maintain client confidentiality and treat clients with dignity and respect, honoring their lived experiences and focusing on their strength when helping to find solutions to their problems; • Ability to work calmly and respectfully with people facing crises or significant problems; • Conduct community outreach events and training programs; • Help with grant reporting as requested by grants management team; • Design and conduct client outreach, communication and training materials; • Assist in any other matters or programs in the organization as needed or directed.