Staff Attorney, Community Law Project (Hybrid)

Description:

Position Overview:
In collaboration with Barrier Free Living, a domestic violence program for people with disabilities and those who are D/deaf, the Staff Attorney's primary duties are to provide comprehensive, compassionate legal services through direct representation, advocacy, and consultations on family law matters including custody, visitation, and order of protection cases and working on the

Center's Legal Helpline. The Staff Attorney will also conduct lethality assessments, create safety plans, and provide legal information to survivors via the Helpline and at legal clinics with the Community Law Project.

Responsibilities:

• Provide direct representation to clients in family law matters in Family and Supreme Courts in all 5 boroughs;
• Assess referrals from Barrier Free Living;
• Conduct legal clinics at Barrier Free Living;
• Staff the Legal Helpline with the Project's other attorneys and project assistants;
• Advocate directly for clients with key stakeholders including but not limited to NYPD, District Attorney's Office, Administration for Children's Services (ACS), Human Resources Administration (HRA), and Division for Homeless Services (DHS);
• Conduct community-based trainings to potential clients;
• Co-counsel cases with project, Legal Center and probono attorneys;
• Collaborate with volunteers, interns and pro bono attorneys; supports training of junior staff members on all aspects of client contact, litigation support, case management, and/or project development.
• Refer clients to the appropriate in-house and external services and track the status of internal and external referrals;
• Foster and maintain relationships with community-based organizations (CBOs) that refer clients to the Helpline;
• Partner with the Director of Pro Bono Program in identifying cases that are suitable for representation by pro bono attorneys;
• Provide information regarding and assistance in completing Office of Victim Services crime victim compensation applications;
• Maintain accurate and updated records of current and potential clients in the agency's electronic database; and
• Performing any other department or agency-related duties or special projects as directed by the Director and Deputy Director.
• Works closely with the Director and Deputy Director of the Center and all members of the Family Law Project, and other projects within the Legal Department;
• Collaborate with Barrier Free Living, Secret Garden program;
• Collaborate with Sanctuary's Clinical Department and Economic Empowerment Program;
• Collaborate with the various district attorneys' offices, other government agencies and community based organizations working to assist victims of gender-based violence.

Requirements:

• J.D. degree;
• Admission to the New York State Bar;
• Minimum of 1- 4 years of relevant legal experience
• Fluency in Spanish or American Sign Language preferred
• Ability to work with diverse populations including people with disabilities and those who are D/deaf and Hard of Hearing;
• Sensitivity to sexual exploitation, domestic violence, and other gender-related issues;
• Deep understanding of and ability to work well with people of diverse ethnic, cultural, religious, educational, and socioeconomic backgrounds;
• Ability to multitask and prioritize;
• Strong ability to work independently;
• Excellent problem-solving skills;
• Excellent organizational skills;
• Strong communication skills; and
• Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.

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