Staff Attorney

NYLAG•New York, NY

1d•$90,262 - $96,436•Hybrid

About The Position

NYLAG’s Employment Law Project (ELP) provides client-centered, community-based legal advocacy for low-wage and immigrant workers facing exploitative labor practices, discrimination, and harassment. Through court- and agency-based litigation, negotiation, public education, policy advocacy, and community partnerships, ELP works to build the power of working-class communities across New York City. The Staff Attorney will join a team led by a Project Director and currently consisting of two experienced attorneys and a paralegal. The attorney will provide high-quality legal services and advocacy in local, state, and federal agencies and courts, working in partnership with advocates and community-based organizations. The caseload involves a range of representation, including intakes, advice and counsel, demand letters, agency complaints, motion practice, and full litigation. The role also includes developing policy advocacy and conducting know-your-rights trainings. NYLAG is committed to a hybrid work policy; most staff are currently required to work in NYLAG offices or perform other in-person work at least two days each week, subject to change. Occasional work outside regular business hours may be required for legal clinics and partner trainings.

Requirements

Admission to the New York State Bar, or admission pending.
One to five years of experience in employment law or comparable experience.
At least one year of litigation experience.

Nice To Haves

Fluency in a second language, particularly Spanish or Mandarin.
Demonstrated interest in social justice, workers’ rights, and building collective worker power.
Demonstrated commitment to advancing equity internally as a team leader and externally in courts and on behalf of clients.
Creative, proactive problem-solving skills and the ability to pivot and reprioritize based on immediate needs.
Experience supervising paralegals, interns, or other staff in legal work.
Ability to work collaboratively across diverse teams and coalitions.
Experience in federal court proceedings, arbitrations, and mediations.
Excellent people and client-counseling skills, preferably with experience in a high-volume legal services context.
Patience, empathy, persistence, and openness in delivering client services to diverse populations.
Excellent communication skills.
Strong organization and ability to manage multiple priorities.
Proficiency in Spanish or Mandarin.

Responsibilities

Maintain an individual caseload representing clients in state and federal court proceedings and before administrative agencies on employment law matters.
Develop policy advocacy with advocacy coalitions and community organizations to effect broader change rooted in clients’ experiences.
Work with community partners to develop case and advocacy strategies.
Collaborate within ELP and across NYLAG to develop holistic advocacy strategies.
Conduct community education and training.
Mentor and collaborate with paralegals, interns, volunteers, and pro bono attorneys; train, manage, and mentor pro bono attorneys, clinic students, volunteers, and interns as needed.
Continue developing writing, litigation, and community lawyering skills.
Maintain up-to-date case notes, data tracking, and files.
Track, draft, and generate reports for grant management as needed.
Perform other duties as they arise based on client and organizational needs.