Staff Attorney

Albany Law School seeks a Staff Attorney or Senior Staff Attorney to join The Edward P. Swyer Justice Center''s Community Economic Development Clinic. The successful candidate will provide legal advocacy services, direct client representation, supervision and mentorship of clinic students, and support the Clinic''s educational and community engagement mission. Appointment will be made at the Staff Attorney or Senior Staff Attorney level, depending on experience.

We are seeking an attorney with substantial transactional legal experience who can independently manage client matters, contribute to student supervision and instruction, and support the professional development of clinic staff and students. Candidates with experience in Trusts & Estates, Special Needs Planning for business owners and entrepreneurs, charitable giving strategies, and business succession planning are particularly encouraged to apply. We value diversity and seek applicants from backgrounds that add to a community that aims to foster respect and inclusion.

Essential Job Functions

• Provide direct legal representation, counseling, and technical assistance to Clinic clients and community partners.
• Independently manage a portfolio of transactional legal matters, including entity formation, governance, contract review, business planning, and related matters.
• Assist in the supervision and mentoring of clinic students providing legal representation, counseling, technical assistance, referrals, and advice to Clinic clients and partner agencies.
• Support the training and professional development of students and junior staff, as appropriate.
• Assist the Director in client selection, case strategy, and development of legal matters.
• Conduct community outreach, educational programming, and presentations as directed.
• Support donor, grant, and major gift initiatives through reporting, project participation, and policy-related work.
• Assist with classroom and program administration, including preparation of student materials, readings, guest speakers, and other educational resources.
• Conduct legal research related to client representation, clinic operations, and scholarly projects.
• Provide limited classroom instruction under the supervision of the Director.
• Handle client representation during academic breaks and summer periods.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Strong client counseling, negotiation, and transactional lawyering skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor, supervise, and collaborate with students and colleagues.
• Excellent legal research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Lexis, and Westlaw.

Qualification Standards

• Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Admission to the New York State Bar.
• Five (5) or more years of practical legal experience in transactional law (business law or community economic development), Trust & Estates, or closely related practice areas.
• Experience with entity formation and governance matters, contracts, business transactions, and related legal work strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative educational environment.
• Interest in community economic development, entrepreneurship, community wealth-building initiatives, cooperatives, movement lawyering, and community-based organizations.
• Valid driver''s license.

Compensation

The estimated salary range for this position is $85,000-$95,000 per year. The salary offered will be based on the successful candidate's relevant experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, and in consideration of internal equity. We offer a comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental and vision insurance, employer paid disability and life insurance coverage, 5% retirement contribution, CDTA bus pass, and generous time off.

Application Instructions:

• Cover letter
• Resume/curriculum vitae
• Contact information for at least three professional references.

Please note that some of these documents may be combined and uploaded as a single PDF. If you need assistance submitting your application materials, please contact hr@albanylaw.edu. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Albany Law School is committed to ensuring equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in all of its employment practices, without regard to race, color, sex, pregnancy, religion, creed, national origin (including ancestry), citizenship status, physical or mental disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, status as transgender or gender transitioning, veteran or military status (including special disabled veteran, Vietnam-era veteran, or recently separated veteran), predisposing genetic characteristics, domestic violence victim status, or any other protected category under applicable local, state, or federal law. This position is offered subject to this commitment, and candidates will be considered on the basis of merit, ability, and valid job qualifications without regard to the aforementioned characteristics.

Celebrating its 175th Anniversary, Albany Law School is located in the heart of New York's capital, which offers unparalleled access to state and federal courts, the legislature, and a wide range of private and public employers. Join us in continuing a tradition that has produced leaders in all areas of the legal profession, across every area of law, public service, and government including two U.S. Supreme Court Justices and a President of the United States.

Apply now to be part of Albany Law's next chapter of excellence.

Posted 7/8/26