Job Description
Job Description:
Staff Attorney - Community Guardian Program
As a Staff Attorney, you'll provide legal representation, counsel, and advocacy on behalf of JASA's Community Guardian Program. You'll support guardianship litigation, housing advocacy, public benefits representation, and legal compliance to protect and support some of New York City's most vulnerable adults.
Shift Schedule:
Monday-Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Hours Per Week:
35
Why You'll Love Working at JASA
JASA is one of NYC's largest and most trusted nonprofit organizations serving older adults and vulnerable populations. Team members here do meaningful work that directly improves the lives of New Yorkers in need of advocacy and support.Top Reasons to Join Us:
Meaningful Impact:
Advocate for vulnerable adults facing legal, housing, healthcare, and benefits challengesHelp clients maintain dignity, independence, and community stability
Collaborative Environment:
Work closely with social workers, case managers, finance staff, healthcare providers, and court personnelEngage in multidisciplinary, mission-driven case planning
Professional Growth:
Build expertise in guardianship law, housing law, and public interest litigationGain hands-on courtroom and advocacy experience
About the Community Guardian Program
The Community Guardian Program serves as a court-appointed guardian for hundreds of adults across New York City.
Clients include individuals who:
Have serious mental illnessAre experiencing homelessness or housing instabilityAre facing eviction or loss of benefitsHave no available family or friends to serve as guardian
JASA is appointed only when no suitable alternative guardian is available.
What You'll Be Doing
As a Staff Attorney, you'll handle legal matters related to guardianship, housing, and public benefits while supporting program compliance and client advocacy.Guardianship Litigation & Court Representation
Represent JASA in Article 81 guardianship proceedings from start to dischargeAppear in court for hearings, conferences, motion practice, and litigationDraft and review legal documents including:Orders to Show CausePetitions and Cross-PetitionsAffirmations in OppositionOrders, Oaths, Designations, and Commissions
Conduct legal research and prepare pleadings and motionsEnsure compliance with court mandates and guardianship obligationsLegal Counsel & Program Support
Provide legal guidance to CGP staff on fiduciary duties and complianceCollaborate with caseworkers, social workers, finance, and leadership teamsReview case files to identify legal risks and obligationsSupport development of comprehensive client service plans
Housing & Benefits Advocacy
Represent clients in NYC Housing Court matters, including:Non-payment proceedingsHoldover proceedingsHP proceedingsNYCHA administrative proceedings
Provide legal counsel on public benefits, including:MedicaidMedicareSNAPSocial SecurityCash Assistance and other entitlementsAdvocate to maintain and restore critical benefits and servicesCollaboration & Stakeholder Engagement
Coordinate with courts, government agencies, and service providersParticipate in staff meetings, trainings, and case conferencesWork with multidisciplinary teams to balance legal and service needs
Additional Responsibilities
Travel throughout New York City as neededWork occasional evenings or extended hours with limited noticePerform additional duties as assigned
What You'll NeedEducation & Licensure
Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law schoolAdmission to the New York State Bar in good standing
Experience
3+ years of litigation experience preferredExperience with Article 81 guardianship strongly preferredExperience in landlord-tenant law and Housing Court strongly preferredCommitment to public interest law and serving vulnerable populations
Skills & Competencies
Strong knowledge of guardianship law and fiduciary responsibilitiesExperience with government benefits systems (Medicaid, SNAP, Social Security, etc.)Strong legal writing, research, and analytical skillsAbility to explain complex legal concepts clearlyStrong organizational and time management skillsAbility to work independently and exercise sound judgmentStrong collaboration and interpersonal skillsCommitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
Technology Skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google WorkspaceAbility to learn new systems and legal technology platforms
Benefits at a Glance
JASA offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and future.Health & Wellness
Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage optionsEmployee Wellness Programs (fitness + mental health support)Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Retirement Savings
403(b) retirement plan Pension plan with employer contributions
Generous Time Off
Paid vacation timeHolidays and floating holidaysPaid time off for work-life balance
Professional Development
Training and continuing education opportunitiesCareer growth within the organization
Employee Recognition
Employee recognition programs celebrating contributions
EEO Statement
JASA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected classification under federal, state, or local law.
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