Staff Attorney Foreclosure Unit, CAMBA Legal Services (CLS) Housing

CAMBA•New York, NY

10d•$87,637 - $139,665•Onsite

About The Position

CAMBA Legal Services, Inc. (CLS), the legal services arm of CAMBA, provides free civil legal services to low-income New Yorkers. Its Foreclosure unit provides legal advice, advocacy, foreclosure prevention, and mortgage counseling to Brooklyn homeowners in owner-occupied one- to four-family homes at risk of foreclosure. The Staff Attorney provides legal counsel and representation to clients facing foreclosure and supports clients in pursuing legal and foreclosure-prevention goals. The position is based at 20 Snyder Avenue, Brooklyn, New York, reports to a Supervisor, and is full-time at 35 hours per week. Compensation is $87,637–$139,665 annually. The attorney handles client intake and case assessment; advises clients on applicable rights and laws; negotiates with lenders, mortgage servicers, and courts; prepares and files legal documents; conducts legal research; develops strategies for litigation and court proceedings; and coordinates with colleagues, paralegals, agencies, and community partners. The role also includes outreach, workshops, training, case documentation, reporting, and other duties that may be modified or reassigned as organizational needs evolve.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
Admission to practice law in New York State and good standing with the New York State Bar.
Knowledge of and experience in civil litigation.
Demonstrated commitment to public interest work.
Prior experience working with vulnerable populations.
Excellent negotiation and client advocacy skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
Proficiency in Outlook, Word, and Excel.
Strong computer literacy in other Microsoft Office Suite products.
Demonstrated professionalism and ethical standards.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of and experience in foreclosure law.
Ability to converse with clients in a language other than English, such as Haitian Creole, French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, or Urdu.

Responsibilities

Provide legal counsel and representation to clients facing foreclosure proceedings.
Advocate for clients in negotiations with lenders, mortgage servicers, and courts.
Conduct client intake and assess client cases.
Assist clients in exploring foreclosure-prevention options, including loan modifications, refinancing, and government programs.
Interview clients and witnesses, as appropriate, in preparation for litigation or court proceedings.
Advise clients about rights, laws, rulings, and regulations applicable to their cases.
Develop legal strategies, arguments, and testimony for trials, hearings, and oral arguments.
Prepare and file legal documents related to foreclosure cases.
File motions, briefs, pleadings, legal memoranda, and appeals with court clerks.
Research and interpret laws, rulings, and regulations relevant to clients’ cases.
Coordinate follow-up advocacy with lenders and agencies providing financial assistance.
Ensure paralegals follow up on case matters, including filing and service of court documents and contact with administrative and social agencies.
Coordinate with other attorneys to ensure case and intake coverage.
Provide legal seminars and workshops for organizations.
Attend appropriate training and stay informed about changes in foreclosure laws and regulations.
Provide information required for weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual reports.
Maintain accurate and comprehensive client files and up-to-date case notes.
Participate in and coordinate with housing, foreclosure-prevention, and consumer advocates.
Record court dates in the shared court calendar.
Assist with billing cases, including completing billable-hour forms and corresponding affidavits.
Collaborate with attorneys and paralegals to manage and advance foreclosure matters.
Research and analyze statutes, judicial decisions, legal articles, codes, and other relevant legal authorities.
Conduct community and client outreach.
Deliver or direct the delivery of subpoenas to witnesses and parties to an action.
Follow up with clients and organizations regarding clients’ progress toward legal goals.
Recommend and implement strategies to encourage and support clients’ full participation in their legal matters and processes.
Advocate for clients when applications or benefits are denied, including preparing advocacy letters and related documentation.