Staff Attorney – Family Law Unit

The Legal Aid Society of Rochester, New York

Staff Attorney representing low- and moderate-income clients in family and matrimonial law for Rochester Legal Aid. Advocating for domestic violence survivors across Monroe and surrounding counties.

Posted 8/5/2026full-timeRochester • New York • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $87,000 - $102,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in matrimonial and family law, including litigation, legal research, and client representation. Proficient in drafting legal documents and managing high-volume caseloads while maintaining effective communication and collaboration with clients and community partners.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Juris Doctor (JD)New York State Bar AdmissionLegal Research and WritingNegotiating and Litigation SkillsCase Management Systems

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Legal CounselLitigationDrafting Legal DocumentsClient RepresentationDiscovery and InvestigationsLegal ResearchQualified Domestic Relations OrdersSafety PlanningHigh-Volume Caseload ManagementTrauma-Informed Approach

Soft Skills

Verbal CommunicationWritten CommunicationOrganizational SkillsEmpathyCollaboration

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft WordMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft TeamsZoomLegalServer

Certifications & Qualifications

Juris Doctor (JD)New York State Bar Admission

Industry Keywords

Family LawMatrimonial LawDomestic ViolenceCommunity OutreachSocial Justice

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide legal counsel and representation in matrimonial and family law proceedings, including all stages of litigation
Draft, review, and file petitions, pleadings, motions, orders, notices of appeal, memoranda of law, orders to show cause, emergency actions, and other legal documents
Conduct in-person client interviews and gather relevant facts for case development
Conduct discovery, investigations, and legal research for case preparation
Represent clients at court appearances, hearings, conferences, and related proceedings in Family Court and Supreme Court
Consult and negotiate with opposing counsel and other parties to achieve favorable client outcomes
Represent clients in post-dispositional proceedings, including preparation of Qualified Domestic Relations Orders and other post-judgment appearances
Conduct safety planning with domestic violence survivors and provide appropriate referrals
Collaborate with and review the work of assigned support staff as needed
Maintain accurate, complete, and timely documentation of client contacts and case activity in LegalServer or other case management systems
Stay current on legislative changes, case law, and best practices; participate in continuing legal education training
Participate in community outreach, education, and training related to family law and domestic violence services
Provide information about legal rights, domestic violence resources, and agency services to community partners and stakeholders
Travel across multiple counties to represent clients and attend court proceedings or related meetings
Participate in office-wide functions, including staff meetings, trainings, and organizational initiatives
Provide legal support to other programs within the organization as needed
Provide ex-parte legal advice in Monroe County Family Court in collaboration with the Willow Court Advocacy Program

Requirements

What you’ll need

Juris Doctor (JD) required
Admission to the New York State Bar required; candidates who have received their JD and qualify for a judicial practice order may also be considered
Proficiency with computer systems, including Microsoft Word and Excel
Experience with case management systems preferred
Proficiency with Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and other online meeting platforms
Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills
Strong negotiating and litigation skills with the ability to advocate effectively in court
High level of initiative, independence, and organizational skills
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Ability to manage a high-volume caseload and work independently and collaboratively
Demonstrated ability to work respectfully, empathetically, and with a trauma-informed lens
Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, court personnel, and community partners
Commitment to social justice and passion for serving underprivileged communities
Access to reliable transportation and willingness to travel across multiple counties
Ability to meet the physical and communication demands of the role

Benefits

Comp & perks

Hybrid Work schedule
Paid Lunch Hour
Employer contributions toward health and dental insurance plans
Up to 15 days of vacation to start (based on experience)
96 hours of sick leave
48 hours of personal time
14 paid holidays a year
$600 per year internet stipend
3% match on the 401(k) or Roth 401(k) plan of your choice
Language differential for being proficient in a program-relevant language
Professional development opportunities
Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualifying employer