Staff Attorney, Disability Advocacy Project (DAP)

Bronx Legal Services seeks a Staff Attorney for its Disability Advocacy Project.

Bronx Legal Services seeks a Staff Attorney for its Disability Advocacy Project. The DAP team assists low-income residents of The Bronx seeking federal disability benefits based on mental and/or physical health impairments and disabilities. We assist clients with case development and represent them in administrative hearings, appeals, and collateral issues which arise after an award of benefits. We work with community members and partner organizations in identifying and resolving systemic barriers to obtaining disability benefits.

The staff attorney will be responsible for advocacy, litigation, and community outreach in The Bronx. The attorney will appear in administrative proceedings before the Social Security Administration and in appeals to the federal district court. The attorney will investigate and develop disability claims, evaluate the merits, prepare clients to testify at hearings, advocate at hearings including direct examination of clients and cross-examination of experts, and prepare written arguments and memoranda of law. The advocate will collaborate with other partners or community groups to create and shape public policy advocacy.

• J.D. degree from an accredited law school and be admitted to practice in New York
• 2-3 years’ experience with Social Security disability work, including Social Security disability applications, appeals to the ALJ and Appeals Council, and litigation in Federal Court 
• Strong interest and/or experience in litigation/advocacy to create systemic change
• Ability to work well with people of diverse national, ethnic, cultural, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds
• Demonstrated commitment to, or experience providing culturally sensitive services to vulnerable populations
• Demonstrated commitment to, or experience working with individuals living with physical and/or mental health disabilities
• Demonstrated commitment to social and racial justice
• Experience working as part of a collaborative team of attorneys and non-legal professionals
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Excellent analytical, oral, and written communication skills
• Excellent computer, organizational, planning, and time management skills

The salary for the position is competitive and commensurate with experience (determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement). Excellent benefits package.