CSEA, Inc., Local 1000, is a labor union representing over 200,000 members who are employed in the public and private sector across New York State. CSEA’s headquarters and Legal Department are located in Albany, NY. The ten attorneys in the Legal Department are passionate about helping working men and women maintain their jobs, income, benefits and dignity so that they can provide for themselves and their families while being proud of the work they perform.
The attorneys are engaged in all facets of labor and employment litigation and practice in federal and state courts, arbitration hearings, and administrative tribunals such as the New York Public Employment Relations Board, National Labor Relations Board, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, New York State Division of Human Rights, etc.
The legal department represents CSEA and its members in representation and organizing matters as well as improper practice and unfair labor practice charges before PERB and the NLRB, respectively. The attorneys regularly represent CSEA in grievance and disciplinary arbitrations. The legal department provides representation to individual members in administrative matters regarding their employment, including discipline (where arbitration is not available); licensing and registration hearings; substantiated reports by the NYS Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs; and indicated reports by the NYS Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment.
The attorneys at the CSEA legal department are also engaged in federal and state civil litigation on a variety of subject matters, including but not limited to, deprivation of constitutional rights, discrimination or retaliation for union activity, diminution of retiree health insurance benefits, illegal layoffs, violation of civil service laws, breach of contract, compelling arbitration, and challenging governmental decisions and determinations.
Law Students may receive assignments from any of the eleven staff attorneys. Assignments will vary based upon experience and aptitude. Typical assignments include legal research and writing on various topics relating to the rights and obligations of the Union and its members. This affords students the opportunity to gain practical experience and a working knowledge of the law in an exciting practice area. Law Students may also assist attorneys in facets of case preparation including witness interviews, and drafting pleadings, memoranda of law, and closing briefs. Law students will also be given the opportunity to accompany attorneys to hearings or other proceedings.
Although the assignments are primarily focused on labor and employment law issues, law students can expect to be exposed to a variety of diverse issues such as constitutional law, municipal law, civil rights law, and education law.
Law clerks are expected to work in CSEA headquarters in Albany, New York. Telework is not regularly available.
Requirements: Excellent research and writing skills. Demonstrated interest in the labor movement and the issues of working people.
Application Requirements: Cover letter, resume, unofficial transcript, and writing sample.
Salary: $18 per hour
Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.
Please send application requirements to aaron.kaplan@cseainc.org.
Please call (518) 257-1445 regarding applications.