Description The Staff Attorney will provide legal services and engage in individual and systemic representation and litigation. This position reports to the Program Director. The Staff Attorney is expected to report to the PAIMI program. This position is estimated to last up to one year.
Essential FunctionsThe Staff Attorney performs a wide range of duties, including the following:
- Provide legal, administrative, and other appropriate means of representation, including individual and systemic representation, to people with significant mental health diagnoses who are at risk of entering the criminal law system and people currently in forensic psychiatric units and carceral settings;
- Investigate allegations of abuse and neglect and draft investigative reports;
- Monitor service providers for abuse, neglect, and compliance with federal and state laws and draft monitoring reports;
- Analyze new and existing cases as well as other matters to determine if they present systemic issues which may be appropriate for DRNY to address, and, with the Program Director, formulate strategies for their prevention, reduction, or elimination;
- Act in accordance with identified Priorities and Goals of the Program;
- Consult with professionals such as attorneys, physicians, psychologists, therapists, educators, and others to identify options and barriers for individuals and groups;
- Lead and support DRNY projects, project teams, and initiatives that foster self-determination and self-advocacy, and coalition building;
- Lead and participate in task forces, coalitions, and committees as assigned, as well as conduct training and outreach activities;
- Maintain accurate, confidential files;
- Assist in preparing reports to funding sources;
- Maintain accurate time records and client records, including accurate use of the client tracking database for DRNY to meet its programmatic and fiscal responsibilities, and to obtain prevailing party attorney fees when appropriate;
- Timely open and close case files regarding client matters;
- Participate in committees, task forces, and other organization-wide groups;
- May be asked to provide multilingual client support;
- Travel throughout New York State and outside of New York State as necessary to perform assigned job tasks.
- Perform related tasks consistent with skills, abilities, and general responsibilities as required to support DRNY; and
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications - Be a member in good standing of the New York State Bar or eligible to waive in from another jurisdiction, or be eligible to become a member within a reasonable time after beginning employment, and maintain such standing throughout employment with DRNY;
- Have 0-5 years of experience;
- Demonstrated interest and commitment to public interest law;
- Ability to work efficiently, independently, and collaboratively as part of a team;
- Excellent communication skills;
- Relationship-building skills;
- Strong organizational skills;
- Strong problem-solving skills;
- Outstanding professionalism and ethical judgment;
- Multilingual skills preferred;
- Ability to work with diverse groups of individuals;
- Must be a New York State resident; and
- Work and reside in New York State consistent with DRNY's policies.
Preferred Experience - Public interest, civil rights, or disability law experience;
- Litigation and administrative hearing experience;
- Experience working with diverse populations;
- NYS Driver's license preferred.
Working ConditionsA Staff Attorney usually performs work remotely or in an office environment. The mission of the organization may sometimes take a Staff Attorney to non-standard workplaces. A Staff Attorney will be expected to travel within and outside the state as necessary.
The annualized salary range for the Staff Attorney position is between $62,000 and $115,000.
DRNY offers a comprehensive benefits package to full-time employees. This includes employer-paid premiums for health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance. Full-time employees also receive generous paid time off benefits and are eligible for our SEP IRA and 403 (b) retirement plans.
Position RequirementsExempt/Non-Exempt Exempt
Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time
Location Disability Rights New York - Brooklyn
Position PAIMI 2026 Staff Attorney
Number of Openings 1
This position is currently accepting applications. 
