Job Classification: Full-time, exempt from overtime under the FLSA
Reports to: Managing Attorney
Post date: July 15, 2026
Start date: As soon as position is filled
Salary range: $90,728-$153,228 (more details below)
Organization Overview
JustCause was first established in 1981 under the name “Volunteer Legal Services Project of Monroe County, Inc. (VLSP)” to provide pro bono legal assistance to people who cannot afford an attorney when facing serious civil legal problems. Since its inception, the mission of the organization has been to improve the quality of life of individuals living in low-income households in Monroe County by providing pro bono attorneys to assist with serious civil matters affecting the essentials of life. JustCause is co-located at the Telesca Center for Justice in downtown Rochester, along with partner agencies, the Legal Aid Society of Rochester, Legal Assistance of Western New York, and Empire Justice Center. While the three other legal services organizations provide direct services to clients (utilizing primarily their own staff), JustCause’s programs leverage a pro bono panel of more than 1,300 volunteers.
JustCause services benefit over 20,000 people a year with a wide range of legal issues impacting their family’s health, safety, and well-being. JustCause legal program areas include Immigration, Family Law, Housing, Estate Planning, Bankruptcy, Consumer Law, and other civil (non-criminal) legal issues.
Job Summary
JustCause is seeking a Staff Attorney for our Tenant Defense Program. Working together with the Housing Unit Lead, the Staff Attorney will provide support to clients and volunteer attorneys in housing-related matters. Specifically, the Staff Attorney will mentor pro bono attorneys, as well as directly represent clients at court, provide telephone advice and counsel, and supervise paralegals and interns. They will also represent JustCause on court and community-related committees and working groups, speak at continuing legal education (CLE) for attorneys, and attend community legal education (“know-your-rights”) programs and events.
Responsibilities
● Representing tenants facing eviction in Rochester City Court and several Town and VillageCourts in Monroe County
● Providing limited scope advice and counsel over the telephone and in-person to clients in a variety of legal matters affecting their housing
● Recruiting and mentoring pro bono attorneys and volunteers
● Reviewing and assessing cases for possible placement or limited scope assistance by volunteer attorneys
● Training, assisting, and supporting pro bono attorneys with all legal issues concerning their cases, including but not limited to providing legal research or preparing or assisting with the preparation of various legal documents when necessary or requested
● Assigning, directing, supervising, and assessing work of paralegals, interns, and law students
● Providing legal information and referrals to individuals who do not qualify for our program services
● Managing case files and deadlines, reporting progress, and recording time in a case management system
● Ensuring timely and effective communication with clients, pro bono attorneys, courts and
community partners
● Participating in community outreach events
● Providing and/or reviewing case data for grant reporting
Required Qualifications
● Law Degree and licensed in the State of New York; new graduates welcome to apply
● Must reside in or around Monroe County, NY. JustCause has a flexible work-from-home policy, but the Staff Attorney must be able to attend in-person court appearances, meetings, and other events as needed in and around Rochester.
● A strong commitment to justice, equity, and community wellness. Demonstrated interest in serving low-income people
● An interest in housing law
● Ability to work independently and exercise sound and compassionate judgment while serving a very diverse clientele that may be in crisis or have endured various forms of trauma
● Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to maintain effective relationships with the courts, the private bar, bar associations, and community organizations
● Ability to work cooperatively with diverse staff, supervisors, interns, and pro bono volunteers
● Excellent written and oral communication skills and telephonic and in-person interviewing skills
● Ability to effectively “issue-spot” client legal matters
● Commitment to accurate recordkeeping and timekeeping in case management system
● Highly organized, detail-oriented, and commitment to excellence
● Comfortable with continuous process improvement and change
● A pleasant and collegial demeanor and a balanced sense of humor
Preferred Qualifications
● Knowledge or experience regarding landlord/tenant matters
● Prior experience recruiting or mentoring pro bono attorneys
● Prior experience working in legal services or related field
● Written and spoken fluency in language(s) other than English
Salary and Compensation
JustCause is committed to pay equity and transparency and uses a pay scale based on years of experience, education, and language ability. The base salary for 0 to 44 years of experience for this position ranges from $90,728-$153,228, with additional compensation available for those who qualify.
Immediately upon hire, JustCause employees are eligible for an excellent benefits package, including (but not limited to) the following:
● Generous paid holidays, vacation, and leave time
● Choice of high deductible or copay health insurance plan; JustCause pays 100% of the employee’s premium
● JustCause contribution of 3% of salary to 403(b) retirement plan, plus an additional match of the employee’s contribution up to 3%
● Parking reimbursement
● Short- and long-term disability insurance and New York Paid Family Leave
● Ability to work from home, depending on organizational needs
JustCause does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, height, weight, age or marital status and is an equal access/equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume explaining your interest and qualifications to [email protected]. Please include the job title in the subject line.
Pay: $90,728.00 - $153,228.00 per year
Benefits:
- 403(b)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Rochester, NY 14614
