Litigation - Real Estate - Defense Attorney in New York City, NY

Public Interest

New York City, NY

Litigation - Real Estate - Defense Attorney in New York City, NY

Attorney

5-5 yrs required

No

Job Title: Staff Attorney, Benefits Law Project

Job Responsibilities:
The Staff Attorney will operate within the Benefits Law Project and is expected to perform a wide range of responsibilities. Primary duties include conducting client engagement and intake processes. This involves screening applicants for service, gathering necessary demographic data, determining eligibility, and understanding the scope of the client’s request for assistance. This process includes helpline callbacks, attending in-person clinics, and utilizing other intake sources.

The Staff Attorney will also provide substantive and logistical support to volunteer attorneys handling VOLS matters. This includes creating and conducting substantive trainings and developing training materials for current and potential volunteers, as well as coordinating and conducting pro bono clinics.

In addition to supporting pro bono efforts, the Staff Attorney will manage their own caseload of direct representation matters, ensuring that clients receive comprehensive legal assistance. Community engagement forms a key part of the role, requiring attendance at community group meetings, strengthening relationships with community organizations, and engaging in outreach activities such as workshops and presentations. The attorney will also be responsible for creating and maintaining accurate and up-to-date resource materials.

Furthermore, the Staff Attorney is expected to engage in advocacy and policy efforts to support the client community. They will use LegalServer, a web-based case management system, to maintain data on clients, services, and impact. Participation in committees and collaborative efforts to benefit the office is also part of the role, alongside performing other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience Information:
Candidates for this position should range from law graduates eligible to be admitted to the New York State Bar, to attorneys who are admitted and in good standing in New York State with up to five years of experience. Familiarity with public benefits eligibility is necessary. The position demands excellent writing and oral communication skills, as well as the ability to work effectively with people in crisis. A demonstrated commitment to social justice, providing high-quality, free legal services to low-income New Yorkers, and promoting volunteerism is essential.

Preferred qualifications include experience in landlord-tenant law, familiarity with LegalServer or other case management platforms, experience leading educational workshops and trainings, and bilingual fluency in one of the top five languages spoken in New York City.

Salary Information:
The annual salary range for the Staff Attorney position is $67,626 to $79,070. This salary will be determined by the organization's collective bargaining agreement and will be commensurate with experience. The organization offers an excellent benefits package, including health, life, and disability insurance, and a retirement plan to which the organization contributes, along with the option to contribute to a 403(b) plan. The position also includes 25 days of paid vacation, 12 days of paid sick leave, and 3 personal days annually.

Remote and Vaccine Policy:
The position will be fully in-person for the first 90 days of employment. Following this period, telecommuting one day per week will be permitted. After completing a six-month probationary period, the position will transition to a hybrid model, allowing up to eight telecommuting days per month, with additional telecommuting days available during the summer. Local travel to meetings, clinics, and other events is required. All candidates must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including a Bivalent vaccine dose or the latest 2024–2025 COVID vaccine formula, unless a reasonable accommodation is provided pursuant to applicable federal, state, and local statutes.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commitment:
The organization is committed to building and maintaining a diverse workplace that embraces staff with different backgrounds, identities, and experiences. The organization seeks a diverse applicant pool and particularly encourages applications from marginalized communities, including, but not limited to, those who identify as Black, Indigenous, people of color, women, queer, transgender, gender non-conforming, disabled, immigrants, uniformed service, people from low socio-economic backgrounds, and those directly impacted by the legal system. The organization is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, nationality, creed, age, disability, sexual orientation, biological sex, gender identity/expression, family status, military service, or any other status protected under the law.