Staff Attorney

The Retreat•Hauppauge, NY

11d•Onsite

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, working with a close-knit, collaborative team to provide holistic, survivor-centered services. The role includes advising clients, consulting with Advocates on legal issues and case strategy, conducting legal research and analysis, and representing clients in court and other legal proceedings. The attorney collaborates with staff and Advocates to identify clients’ legal needs, develop strategies, and protect clients’ rights and interests. The position provides counsel and representation in matters arising from or related to victimization, including custody and visitation, child and spousal support, and family offense proceedings and orders of protection. Depending on client circumstances, the attorney may provide guidance or referrals on divorce, financial and credit issues, eviction and housing, employment barriers, immigration-related matters, identity theft, and financial fraud. The role also includes advocacy with administrative agencies, assistance with motions to vacate or expunge eligible convictions, staff consultation, liaison responsibilities with legal networks and associations, and timely documentation of services and case developments. The position is full-time and benefits eligible, with a Monday-through-Friday schedule of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (35 hours per week). It is based in the Survivor Legal Hub in Hauppauge and requires local travel to courthouses, client meetings, and community locations. Bilingual proficiency is preferred but not required. The position reports to the Legal Director. Funding is provided through the New York State Office of Victim Services and other grants and may depend on the availability and continuation of OVS funding.

Requirements

J.D. from an accredited law school.
Admission to the New York State Bar in good standing.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
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, including the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively.
Demonstrated sensitivity to the needs and experiences of survivors of abuse.
Ability to work collaboratively and effectively 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 who are survivors of intimate partner violence, sexual assault, stalking, trafficking, and other forms of victimization.
Provide legal assistance and representation in matters related to clients’ victimization, including child custody and visitation, child and spousal support, and family offense proceedings, including applications for orders of protection.
Provide legal guidance or referrals on additional issues as appropriate, including divorce, financial and credit issues, eviction and housing instability, employment barriers, immigration-related matters, identity theft, and financial fraud.
Advocate and intervene with administrative agencies and other entities when legal assistance may address the consequences of a client’s victimization.
Assist with motions to vacate or expunge eligible convictions based on a client’s status as a victim of crime.
Collaborate with the Advocacy Department and broader team by answering legal questions, consulting, and advising staff on client issues and legal needs.
Serve as liaison with the Crime Victims Legal Network through the Office of Victim Services, including attending meetings, facilitating referrals and acceptance of eligible clients, providing legal advice and assistance, coordinating representation, and supporting accurate and timely data collection and reporting.
Serve as liaison with the Criminal Bar Association as needed to facilitate communication, collaboration, referrals, and access to legal resources.
Maintain timely and accurate documentation of client services in the agency database and keep client files complete and current.
Coordinate administrative, clerical, scheduling, and communication support with the Office Assistant at the Riverhead location for internal and external parties interacting with the Legal and Advocacy Departments.
Perform other legal, advocacy, consultation, and administrative responsibilities as needed to support the agency’s mission and clients’ legal needs.