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The Geneva division of Legal Assistance of Western New York, Inc. (LawNY) has up to four AmeriCorps positions available at its office located in Geneva, New York. LawNY is a not-for-profit law firm which provides civil legal services to low-income clients in a fourteen-county region in western New York State. The Geneva division serves five of those fourteen counties (Livingston, Ontario, Seneca, Wayne and Yates) and provides representation primarily in the areas of housing, public benefits, family, education, health and elder law. LAWNY has six other offices located in Bath, Elmira, Ithaca, Jamestown, Olean and Rochester, New York.

AmeriCorps members will work as legal assistants, and will be offered the opportunity for direct, substantive legal experience, excellent training and mentoring, and a chance to make a critical difference in the lives of poor people and their communities. They will team with dedicated professionals, including other AmeriCorps members, in an established poverty law program.

You should apply immediately if you wish to be considered for this position.  Our interviews will begin in June of 2010.

Member Benefits: AmeriCorps members receive a living allowance of $14,000 annually, an educational award of $5,350, basic health insurance, child care expenses, suspension of loan repayments and other benefits. A full one-year commitment is required, and the term of service must start between September 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010. Upon successful completion of the first year, members can renew their term for a second year, with a second year living allowance of $16,000. Member Responsibilities: Provide screening and intake for poor persons seeking civil legal assistance; Assist staff attorneys in providing legal services to clients ; Work with community agencies serving the poor to strengthen collaborations ; Provide outreach and community education for targeted groups/clients; Assist in the recruitment and support of volunteer lawyers, students and community members; Participate on relevant staff committees/work groups; Participate in impact cases or projects.

Member Qualifications: Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree or at least two years of college or equivalent experience. Prior experience working with the poor or disadvantaged is preferred.  Members should have a personal commitment to eliminating poverty and its effects in our communities and to high standards of professional performance.

Application Procedure: All applications received by June 1, 2010 will be considered, and applications will be accepted beyond that date until the positions are filled. Applicants should email a letter of interest, a resume, and three references to: Keith McCafferty, Managing Attorney Legal Assistance of Western New York, Inc. 361 South Main Street Geneva, New York 14456 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.