Consumer Law Staff Attorney

URI Careers•New York, NY

5h•$73,000 - $80,000

About The Position

Reporting to the Director of Legal Services, the Consumer Law Attorney will work directly with survivors of domestic and gender-based violence residing in URI shelters and will provide civil legal services, with an emphasis on financial advocacy and economic justice. Recognizing that 98% of survivors report they suffered economic abuse, this position fills a gap in legal services related to economic justice for survivors.

Requirements

J.D. degree and admission to the New York State Bar, in good standing.
At least 1-2 years of civil legal services experience, representing survivors of domestic violence in relevant areas such as family, immigration or consumer law
Creative thinker with superior communication skills.
Excellent organizational skills, time management and record keeping skills, including the ability to work independently, assess priorities, take initiative, handle multiple assignments, and meet deadlines.
Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to work collaboratively and to effectively interact with people from diverse educational, cultural, and professional backgrounds.
Demonstrated commitment to working with survivors of domestic and gender-based violence from marginalized communities.
Experience collaborating in a multi-disciplinary, diverse team, maintaining a healthy work environment for staff that encourages professionalism, respect, equality, diversity, and continuous improvement.
Must be willing to travel within New York City.
Will be required to read printed and handwritten materials.
Will be required to manipulate the computer mouse and keyboard.
Will be required to read information on computer screen.
Must be able to sit for extended periods of time.
Must be able to enter information in digital forms and spreadsheets.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual Spanish/English preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide direct representation, pro se assistance and other financial advocacy in consumer law issues related to identity theft, fraud, and coerced debt, including credit report review, debt assessment, rent arrears, lease termination and negotiations in consumer debt cases brought by creditors.
Represent clients in consumer law proceedings in civil court and before quasi-judicial or administrative agencies of government.
Develop legal strategies, arguments, and testimonies in preparation for presentation of cases for trials, hearing, and oral arguments.
Work closely with the Financial Empowerment Specialist to conduct financial assessments, financial safety planning, debt management, disputes, and related advocacy.
Research and analyze statutes, judicial decisions, and regulations to stay informed about new laws impacting consumer rights.
Maintain, organize, and update case files in the case management database to ensure services are accurate for reports to funders.
Create consumer law trainings for attorneys and social workers who provide services to domestic violence survivors.
Develop internal consumer rights workshops for URI staff and shelter residents.
Represent URI on coalitions, taskforces and working groups focused on improving systems for survivors of domestic and gender-based violence.
Work closely with the Financial Empowerment Specialist to conduct financial assessments and provide related advocacy.
Lead on-site legal clinics and provide information and advice on a range of legal issues including family law, orders of protection and immigration.
Other duties as requested are based on department, program and/or organizational needs.