Multiple Positions Available Citywide for Fall 2020 Class

Our Organization

Legal Services NYC (LSNYC) fights poverty and seeks racial, social and economic justice for low-income New Yorkers. For over 50 years, we have provided legal services that help our clients meet basic needs for housing, income and economic security, family and immigration stability, education, and health care. LSNYC is the largest civil legal services provider in the country; our staff of almost 600 people in neighborhood-based offices and outreach sites across all five boroughs helps hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers annually. We partner with scores of community-based and client-run organizations, elected officials, public agencies, and pro bono lawyers to maximize our effectiveness. Our work fights discrimination, systemic injustice, and helps to achieve equity for all low-income New Yorkers.

The Opportunity

For our Fall 2020 class, LSNYC seeks staff attorneys to work in our neighborhood-based offices representing tenants in eviction and other proceedings, as part of our work to implement New York City's groundbreaking new right to counsel law.

The right to counsel law was passed in 2017 after a successful tenant-led campaign by tenant organizers, advocacy groups and legal services organizations. It provides income-eligible tenants who are sued for eviction in housing court with the right to an attorney to defend their case. The right to counsel is being phased-in over 5 years. LSNYC is currently hiring for the fourth year of the phase-in, which will begin in Fall 2020.

Staff attorneys working on right to counsel will develop expertise in housing court practice, housing assistance programs and subsidies, and public benefits. We are looking for candidates who are excited to work in a fast-paced environment and to use creative strategies in the pursuit of justice.

LSNYC provides many opportunities for staff growth and professional development. Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) efforts allow staff to explore and advocate for racial justice and equity within our organization and through our legal work. Through our Justice Learning Center, there are numerous opportunities to learn substantive skills, earn Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits and gain experience as a trainer.

Job Responsibilities And Qualifications

The Staff Attorney’s responsibilities include:

Conducting intake and providing full legal representation in housing court proceedings to New York City tenants as part of the right to counsel system of representation and other referral sources.
Providing legal advice and counseling to tenants as needed.
Litigating cases in housing court, administrative forums, appellate courts, and other state and federal courts on behalf of people facing eviction
Identifying trends and recurring issues for potential impact litigation.
Representing tenants in affirmative litigation where required.
Providing trainings to other advocates, tenant associations, community members, and community groups.
Conducting neighborhood-based legal clinics and know-your-rights workshops.

We seek candidates with the following:

Applicants must have a J.D. from an accredited law school. Recent law graduates who have already sat for the bar or 2020 graduates who will sit in July 2020 are encouraged to apply. An earlier start date may be available for candidates who are already admitted to practice law in New York State.
Demonstrated commitment to social justice and working in low-income communities and communities of color to advance equity.
Ability to communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and conduct community outreach in low-income neighborhoods.
Excellent advocacy, analytic, writing, and leadership skills.
Strong time management and organization skills including the ability to handle a diverse, fast paced caseload generated by a “right to counsel” intake where all clients have a legal entitlement to representation.
Fluency or proficiency in Spanish or another language commonly spoken in NYC is strongly preferred.
Experience in housing, landlord/tenant, or related advocacy, preferred.

Salary and benefits including LSNYC’s Loan Repayment Assistance Program are determined by the Legal Services NYC Collective Bargaining Agreement.

How to Apply

Applicants should send a PDF copy of cover letter, resume, and two writing samples to housingattorneys2020@lsnyc.org. Please write “STAFF ATTORNEY, HOUSING” in the subject line of the email. Please indicate your borough preferences (if any) in order of interest. Application deadline is January 31st, 2020. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. Please, no telephone calls.

Legal Services NYC is an equal opportunity employer. People of color, women, people with disabilities, people over 40, and gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people are strongly encouraged to apply.

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