Staff Attorney

The Retreat•Town of Islip, NY

16d•$85,000 - $95,000

About The Position

The Retreat is seeking a mission-driven attorney committed to trauma-informed practice and supporting survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. The Staff Attorney provides comprehensive legal support and representation to clients of The Retreat Survivor Legal Hub as part of a collaborative team delivering holistic, survivor-centered services. The attorney provides legal advice and representation, consults with Advocates on legal issues and case strategy, conducts legal research and analysis, and represents clients in court and other proceedings. The role works with agency staff and Advocates to identify clients’ legal needs, develop legal strategies, and protect clients’ rights and interests. The position reports to the Legal Director and is funded through the New York State Office of Victim Services and other grants; continuation is subject to funding availability.

Requirements

J.D. from an accredited law school.
Admission to the New York State Bar in good standing.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and strong written and verbal communication skills.
Valid driver’s license and ability to travel locally; mileage is reimbursed in accordance with agency policy.
Familiarity with the court and legal justice system, including Family, Criminal, and Supreme Courts.
Knowledge and understanding of domestic violence, intimate partner violence, stalking, sexual assault, human trafficking, crime victimization, and resulting trauma.
Understanding of victims’ rights, trauma-informed advocacy, and cultural sensitivity.
Strong interpersonal communication, organizational, and case management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively.
Demonstrated sensitivity to survivors’ needs and experiences.
Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with clients, court personnel, attorneys, law enforcement, and community partners.
Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, squat, and move between offices and court settings as required.
Ability to lift, push, or pull up to 20 pounds occasionally.
Ability to travel locally between courthouses, client meetings, and community locations as needed.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual proficiency is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Provide legal counsel and representation to agency clients, including survivors of intimate partner violence, sexual assault, stalking, trafficking, and other forms of victimization.
Provide assistance and representation in child custody and visitation, child and spousal support, and family offense proceedings, including applications for orders of protection.
Provide legal guidance or referrals concerning divorce, financial and credit issues, eviction and housing instability, safe housing, legal barriers to employment, immigration-related matters, and identity theft or financial fraud.
Advocate and intervene with administrative agencies and other entities when legal assistance may address consequences of a client’s victimization.
Assist with motions to vacate or expunge eligible convictions based on a client’s status as a crime victim.
Consult with The Retreat’s Advocacy Department and broader team, respond to legal questions, and advise staff on issues affecting clients and their legal needs.
Serve as The Retreat’s liaison with the Crime Victims Legal Network through the Office of Victim Services; attend scheduled meetings, facilitate referrals and acceptance of eligible clients, provide legal advice and assistance, coordinate representation as appropriate, and support timely, accurate data collection and reporting.
Serve as a liaison with the Criminal Bar Association as needed to facilitate communication, collaboration, referrals, and access to legal resources.
Maintain accurate and timely client-service documentation in the agency database and keep client files complete and current, including relevant legal matters, services, and case developments.
Coordinate with the Office Assistant at the Riverhead location on administrative, clerical, scheduling, and communication support for parties interacting with the Legal and Advocacy Departments.
Perform other legal, advocacy, consultation, and administrative responsibilities as needed to support The Retreat’s mission and clients’ legal needs.