The Safety Net Project (SNP) is one of thirteen independent projects at the Urban Justice Center. SNP provides direct legal and social services in the areas of public benefits access, homelessness, and tenant rights, in addition to engaging in policy advocacy and community organizing led by impacted community members (the Safety Net Activists). SNP is one of NYC’s Right to Counsel providers representing tenants facing eviction and is also active in various grassroots organizing campaigns fighting for systemic change.

Right now, SNP is growing!

SNP seeks applicants for multiple Housing Staff Attorney positions. SNP’s Staff Attorneys provide direct legal representation to tenants in landlord-tenant cases, including civil proceedings in NYC Housing Court, affirmative litigation, and New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) administrative hearings and appeals. We are seeking attorneys who are looking for a creative and non-traditional environment, working with passionate and dedicated professionals in the fight against gentrification, displacement, and racist housing systems.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and representation to tenants in eviction proceedings and some affirmative litigation, including non-payment and holdover cases, housing repairs cases, and NYCHA administrative proceedings
• Conduct all aspects of litigation such as pleadings, motion practice, discovery, hearings and trials, and appeals as needed.
• Conduct legal intake and evaluate clients’ legal needs at SNP’s various legal clinics, Right to Counsel intake days at Bronx Housing Court, and on a citywide Tenant Helpline
• Provide Know Your Rights education and technical assistance to tenants and community partners on topics related to landlord-tenant law
• Staff outreach clinics, attend tenants’ association meetings, and participate in other work-related events during evening hours from time to time.
• Working across disciplines by collaborating with other attorneys, advocates, and social workers to assess and address client needs.

Qualifications

Applicants must be admitted to practice in New York or have a pending admission to practice in New York, and demonstrate:

• Excellent research, analytical, writing, and oral communication skills
• 2-3 years litigation experience in landlord-tenant law is preferred.
• Strong anti-oppression and social justice analysis and lens, including a deep commitment to racial justice and housing justice work
• Aptitude for tenacious negotiation and advocacy.
• Ability to balance an active caseload and travel between the main office, satellite office, outreach sites and courts.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, including flexibility and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work well independently and collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team of lawyers, advocates, and social workers.
• Great interpersonal communication skills and experience working with diverse communities.
• Spanish proficiency is preferred.

Benefits
A competitive salary and excellent benefits package are offered, with generous vacation, personal, and sick time, along with industry leading medical and dental coverage. This is a bargaining unit position represented for collective bargaining purposes by the National Organization of Legal Services Workers, UAW, Local 2230. 

The Safety Net Project is an equal opportunity employer. SNP encourages applications from people with diverse backgrounds, including women, people of color, immigrants, people with disabilities, LGBTQ people, people from low-income backgrounds, and people with personal experience with social Justice and/or the criminal justice system. We strongly encourage applications from people with lived experiences in the communities we serve.

How to Apply
Interested applicants should send a resume and cover letter by e-mail to SNPhiring@urbanjustice.org. The subject line of the email must include: “Housing Attorney Position.” Please send resume and cover letters as labeled attachments ONLY. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. We regret that due to high volume, we are unable to respond to inquiries and will contact only those candidates selected for consideration. Please do not contact us via telephone or fax.