What are the responsibilities and job description for the Staff Attorney – Veterans Focus (LSV-H Grant Program) position at Legal Aid Society of Northeastern NY?
Staff Attorney - Veterans Focus (LSV-H Grant Program)
Location: Albany, NY | Full-Time | Department of Veterans Affairs Funded
Serve Those Who Served. Champion Justice for Veterans.
The Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York (LASNNY) is seeking a dedicated Staff Attorney to join our LSV-H program, providing life-changing legal advocacy to veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. This role focuses on helping veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness overcome legal barriers that prevent them from obtaining or maintaining stable housing.
WHO WE ARE
LASNNY stands as a guardian of justice across sixteen counties in upstate New York, fighting tirelessly for fairness, dignity, and equity for vulnerable populations. Through our six regional offices, we transform communities by addressing systemic inequities and individual legal challenges. Our LSV-H grant program represents our specialized commitment to veterans, a federally-funded initiative designed specifically to combat veteran homelessness through comprehensive civil legal services that address the root causes of housing instability. We are particularly committed to addressing the specific needs of women veterans, who represent the fastest-growing segment of the homeless veteran population and often face unique challenges including higher rates of trauma, family separation, and barriers to accessing veteran-specific services.
Key Responsibilities
- Represent veterans in housing (eviction defense, landlord disputes, disability accommodations)
- Advocate in consumer protection (debt collection, predatory lending, bankruptcy)
- Handle family law matters (custody, support, divorce)
- Pursue military justice solutions (discharge upgrades, record corrections)
- Assist with VA benefits and public benefits (disability, healthcare, GI Bill, Social Security, SNAP)
- Support veterans facing domestic or intimate partner violence
Additional duties include collaborating with VA medical centers, Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs), community partners, and interdisciplinary teams, maintaining federal grant compliance, and participating in community outreach and legal education initiatives.
Qualifications
- JD from an accredited law school; NYS Bar admission (or eligibility)
- 2-3 years of legal experience (civil litigation, veterans law, or public benefits preferred)
- Strong advocacy, research, and case management skills
- Commitment to serving veterans and understanding military culture
- Willingness to travel regionally and work occasional evenings/weekends
Preferred: Veterans, bilingual (Spanish), housing or benefits law experience, VA systems knowledge, trauma-informed legal services experience.
Why This Role Matters
Veterans are 40% more likely to experience homelessness than other adults, with women veterans facing unique challenges. Legal barriers often trap them in cycles of instability. In this role, you will:
- Remove barriers to housing and benefits
- Reunite families and restore dignity
- Support women veterans with specialized advocacy
How to Apply:
Submit cover letter, resume, law school transcript, three references, and a 5-10-page writing sample.
LASNNY is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Veterans and candidates of all backgrounds are strongly
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including veterans, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, and others who would contribute to our organizational diversity.
Need accommodation during the application process? Contact LASNNY-we ensure all qualified individuals, including veterans with disabilities, can fully participate in our hiring process and contribute to this vital federal veterans advocacy mission.
This position is funded through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Legal Services for Homeless Veterans and Veterans At-Risk for Homelessness (LSV-H) Grant Program. Continued funding is anticipated but not guaranteed.
Join us in serving those who served. Apply today.