Volunteers of Legal Service (VOLS) is seeking a full-time Staff Attorney to work in their Microenterprise Project.

To apply for the Staff Attorney position, please email your cover letter, resume, and writing sample to apply@volsprobono.org with the subject “Microenterprise Project Staff Attorney.” Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. 

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Principal Responsibilities:

• Client Engagement and Intake:
  • Conducting screenings of applicants for service, including obtaining necessary
    demographic data, determination of eligibility, and scope of the client’s request
    for assistance. This includes hotline callbacks, in-person clinics, and other
    sources of intake.
• Pro Bono Support:
  • Provide substantive and logistical support to volunteer attorneys with whom
    VOLS matters are placed.
  • Creating and conducting substantive trainings and training materials for current
    and potential volunteers.
  • Conducting and coordinating pro bono clinics.
• Direct client representation: In addition to providing pro bono support, the Staff Attorney will also carry their own caseload of direct representation matters for small business and microentrepreneur clients. These cases may include the following legal matters: entity selection and formation, contracts, intellectual property, cooperate governance, legal compliance, commercial leasing, non-profit law, and other
  issues.
• Community engagement:
  • Attending community group meetings and strengthening VOLS’ relationships
    with community organizations.
  • Engaging in community outreach, including workshops and presentations.
  • Creating and maintaining accurate and up-to-date resource materials.
• Engage in advocacy and policy efforts to support low-income small business owners and microentrepreneurs.
• Use LegalServer, our web-based case management system, to maintain data on clients,
  services, and impact.
• Participate in committees and collaborative efforts to benefit the office, as appropriate.
• Performing other duties as assigned by the Microenterprise Project Director, Legal
  Director, and/or Executive Director.

Candidate Profile:

• Attorney admitted and in good standing in New York State.
• Experience and/or demonstrated interest in serving low-income individuals.
• 2 to 5 years’ experience as an attorney providing direct representation to clients.
• Experience in providing business related legal services including in the areas of entity selection and formation, cooperate governance, intellectual property, legal compliance, commercial leasing, non-profit law, and other legal matters relevant to small business owners and microentrepreneurs.
• Excellent writing and oral communication skills.
• Professional fluency in Spanish, Mandarin, or another non-English language a plus.

Compensation and Benefits:

• $74,460 - $79,050
• Benefits package including health, life and disability insurance, a retirement plan to which VOLS contributes and the option to contribute to a 403(b) plan.
• 25 days of paid vacation, 12 days of paid sick leave, and 3 personal days annually.