Mobilization for Justice, a non-profit legal services organization that provides a wide range of free civil legal services to low-income New Yorkers, is seeking several 2021 law graduates to further MFJ’s efforts to prevent homelessness, and preserve decent, affordable housing for low income tenants, including families and single adults, through eviction defense, HP proceedings and affirmative litigation. The law graduates will join a team that represents tenants in Bronx Housing Court, state Supreme Court, and administrative proceedings; works in coalition with advocacy groups city- and state-wide on policy issues; analyzes and provides testimony on proposed housing-related legislation; works with tenant groups and community organizations, including conducting trainings; and communicates regularly with NY state and city elected officials and the media. The law graduates will work at Mobilization for Justice’s Bronx office following the July 2021 bar examination.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Conducting client intake; conducting legal research; drafting legal memoranda, advocacy letters and other legal papers; and litigating all phases of cases, including drafting pleadings, engaging in motion practice, conducting trials, and writing and arguing appeals.
• Conducting outreach to Bronx communities and training community and tenant groups on the rights of tenants and related housing and fair housing issues.
• Working with organizers and community leaders to develop and execute strategies to prevent tenant displacement.
• Staffing and conducting intake at off-site legal clinics (at community organizations, offices of elected officials, places of worship, sister organizations, in courts, and other places to accommodate clients).
• Inputting and maintaining detailed records in a case management system.

Requirements:

• Law graduate applicants must sit for the February (pro bono scholars), July 2021 New York State bar examination, or take alternative measures to become licensed as directed by the New York State Board of Law Examiners in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Minimum of one year of litigation experience and experience representing tenants in New York City, or with Section 8 and other subsidized housing preferred.
• Excellent research and writing skills.
• Ability to balance an active caseload and travel between the main office, satellite office(s), outreach sites and courts.
• Ability to staff clinics, attend tenants’ association meetings, and participate in other work-related events during evening hours from time to time.
• Spanish language skills preferred.
• Salary is pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement

How to Apply:

Applicants should submit a cover letter, resume and writing sample addressed to Elise Brown, Director of Housing Litigation, and transmitted by e-mail to ebrown@mfjlegal.org with “Housing Rights Staff Attorney” in the subject line. We encourage all applicants to include in their cover letter a statement about how your background or experience might contribute to the diversity and perspective of our office. Please indicate where you saw this ad. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until fully hired. Early applications are appreciated. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. No telephone calls please.

For further information about MFJ, please go to www.mobilizationforjustice.org.

MOBILIZATION FOR JUSTICE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER People of color, women, people with disabilities, gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people are welcome and encouraged to apply.

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