Staff Attorney

Sanctuary For Families•New York, NY

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Sanctuary for Families is New York’s leading service provider and advocate for survivors of domestic violence, sex trafficking and related forms of gender violence. Every year, Sanctuary empowers thousands of adults and children to move from fear and abuse to safety and stability, transforming lives through a comprehensive range of services. We provide a range of wrap-around services to help survivors rebuild their lives in the aftermath of abuse, and work to end gender violence through three key strategies: direct services, outreach and training, and systems-change advocacy. Our services are available in 12 locations throughout New York City. Sanctuary for Families Community Law Project (CLP) seeks Staff Attorney with domestic violence and/or family law experience to provide comprehensive, culturally competent legal services to survivors of domestic and gender based violence who seek assistance with family offense, custody/visitation, and child/spousal support proceedings, as well as matrimonial matters. The attorney will also conduct community legal clinics, outreach and training and will collaborate with other agencies to advocate for systemic change. The attorney will work out of the Manhattan Office and will report to the Sr. Deputy Director and Sr. Director.

Requirements

J.D. and admitted to NY Bar.
One to two years of relevant work experience
Ability to work with diverse populations
Sensitivity to sexual exploitation, domestic violence and other gender-related issues
Ability to multitask and prioritize
Strong ability to work independently
Excellent problem-solving skills
Excellent organizational skills
Strong communication skills
Computer literacy including Microsoft Office

Nice To Haves

Fluency in a community language including Mandarin, Korean, Arabic, Haitian-Creole, Spanish and Russian preferred but not required

Responsibilities

Provides direct representation and advocacy to clients in family law litigation, including family offense, custody and visitation, child and spousal support and divorces in all five boroughs of NYC.
Provides other advocacy as needed, including the criminal legal and child protective systems
Provides pro se legal assistance and consultations to clients in family law matters
Conducts legal clinics at community based organizations
Staffs the Legal Helpline
Co-counsels cases with project, Legal Center and pro bono attorneys; supports training of junior staff members.
Advocates directly for clients with key stakeholders including but not limited to NYPD, prosecutors, Administration for Children’s Services (ACS), Human Resources Administration (HRA), and Division for Homeless Services (DHS)
Conducts community based outreach and training
Works with Sanctuary’s Community and Outreach Training Initiative (SCOTI) to coordinate, organize and participate in outreach and training events
Represents Sanctuary for Families on task forces and other political and advocacy committees outside the agency.
Collaborates with volunteers, interns and pro bono attorneys.
Directs cases to the appropriate resources within the agency and the Legal Center
Tracks the status of cases referred internally and externally
Fosters and maintains relationships with Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) that refer clients to the Helpline
Partners with the Pro Bono Project in identifying cases that are suitable for representation by pro bono attorneys
Performs any other department or agency-related duties or special projects as directed by the Sr. Legal Director and Sr. Deputy Director.