Housing Staff Attorneys (Right to Counsel) - Immediate Hire - Manhattan and Bronx Offices

Legal Services NYC•New York, NY

21d•$88,181 - $169,852•Hybrid

About The Position

Legal Services NYC (LSNYC) seeks Housing Staff Attorneys and law graduates to join its housing practice and implement New York City’s Right to Counsel law. The role represents low-income tenants defending their homes and supports the right of income-eligible tenants facing eviction to have an attorney. Attorneys handle litigation in housing court and other forums, including administrative proceedings, affirmative cases, and appeals, and develop expertise in housing court practice, housing programs and subsidies, and public benefits. The position also involves community outreach, legal information and counseling, neighborhood-based clinics and know-your-rights workshops, and trainings for advocates, tenant associations, community members, and community groups. Attorneys identify recurring issues and trends that may support impact litigation. The role is suited to candidates who want to advance social justice and are comfortable with a fast-paced, varied caseload. The position is hybrid, permitting up to 50% remote work, job duties permitting. Salary is based on experience and the collective bargaining agreement, with a stated range of $88,181–$169,852.

Requirements

J.D. from an accredited law school.
Admission, or seeking admission, 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 people from diverse backgrounds and conduct outreach in low-income neighborhoods.
Excellent advocacy, analytic, writing, and leadership skills.
Strong time-management and organizational skills, including the ability to handle a diverse, fast-paced caseload generated by Right to Counsel intake.

Nice To Haves

Experience in housing, landlord/tenant, or related advocacy.
Fluency or proficiency in Spanish or another language frequently used by LSNYC clients.

Responsibilities

Conduct intake and provide full legal representation to New York City tenants referred through the Right to Counsel initiative and other referral sources.
Litigate cases in housing court, administrative forums, appellate courts, and other state and federal courts on behalf of people facing eviction.
Bring affirmative cases challenging agencies and other actors that threaten New York City residents’ ability to obtain and retain affordable housing.
Develop expertise in housing court practice, housing programs and subsidies, and public benefits.
Provide legal advice and counseling to tenants as needed.
Conduct neighborhood-based legal clinics and know-your-rights workshops.
Identify trends and recurring issues for potential impact litigation.
Provide trainings to other advocates, tenant associations, community members, and community groups.
Perform community outreach and provide legal information, advice, and counsel in clinical and informal settings.

Benefits

Exceptional healthcare with low copays; employees pay 1% of their salaries per year.
Dental insurance.
Vision plan.
21 vacation days in the first year, increasing to 28 days per year thereafter.
14 paid holidays.
18 sick days per year.
Six months of parental leave.
Coverage for fertility treatment.
Loan Repayment Assistance Program.
Professional development opportunities, including access to the internal Justice Learning Center, free CLEs, and opportunities to gain experience as a trainer.