Fall 2027 Right to Counsel Staff Attorneys/Law Graduates
About The Position
Legal Services NYC (LSNYC) is seeking law graduates and/or staff attorneys to join their Fall 2027 class of Right to Counsel (RTC) attorneys. This role is part of New York City’s groundbreaking Right to Counsel law, which provides income-eligible tenants sued for eviction with the right to an attorney. The attorneys in the dynamic, high-impact housing unit engage in cutting-edge litigation daily to build tenant power and prevent evictions. LSNYC's housing practice represents low-income tenants defending their homes and enforcing tenant protections. The work involves developing expertise in housing court practice, housing programs and subsidies, and public benefits. Attorneys will also perform community outreach, provide legal information, advice, and counsel, and conduct trainings for advocates and community groups. The ideal candidates will be excited to work in a fast-paced environment and use creative strategies for justice.
Requirements
- A J.D. from an accredited law school and admission (or seeking admission) to practice law in the State of New York.
- 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 civil defender practice where clients may have a legal entitlement to representation.
Nice To Haves
- Experience in housing, landlord/tenant, or related advocacy, preferred.
- Fluency or proficiency in either Spanish or a language other than English that is frequently used by our clients is preferred.
Responsibilities
- Conducting intake and providing full legal representation in housing court proceedings to New York City tenants referred to LSNYC through the Right to Counsel initiative in NYC housing courts, and through other referral sources.
- Litigating cases in housing court, administrative forums, appellate courts, and other state and federal courts on behalf of people facing eviction, and in affirmative cases challenging agencies and actors who threaten New York City residents' ability to obtain and retain affordable housing.
- Developing expertise in housing court practice, housing programs and subsidies, and public benefits.
- Providing legal advice and counseling to tenants as needed.
- Conducting neighborhood-based legal clinics and know-your-rights workshops.
- Identifying trends and recurring issues for potential impact litigation.
- Providing trainings to other advocates, tenant associations, community members, and community groups.
Benefits
- Access to internal Justice Learning Center for free CLEs and trainer experience.
- Exceptional healthcare with low copays (employees pay 1% of salaries per year).
- Comprehensive dental insurance.
- Vision plan.
- Generous vacation days (23 days the first year; 28 days/year thereafter).
- 14 paid holidays.
- 18 sick days/year.
- Industry-leading parental leave (on average six months).
- Coverage for fertility treatment.
- Access to internal Loan Repayment Assistance Program for employees with student loan debt.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
