Staff Attorney
About The Position
The Tenant Defense Project represents individual and group tenants in trial and appellate matters, including holdovers, nonpayment proceedings, administrative hearings, and affirmative litigation in state and local courts. The Staff Attorney will provide comprehensive legal services to eligible clients, including advice, negotiation, motion practice, discovery, and litigation. The attorney will appear in City, Town, and Village Courts across the region in eviction and warranty-of-habitability cases and will participate in education and outreach for community members, advocates, and service providers. The attorney will offer holistic assistance to clients facing financial or other hardships that may result in loss of housing.
Requirements
- Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school with zero to five years of experience.
- Admission to practice law in New York State. Law school graduates registered for the New York State Bar Exam, or eligible for admission on motion, are encouraged to apply.
- Excellent written, analytical, organizational, and oral advocacy skills.
- Demonstrated commitment to public interest law and serving communities facing systemic barriers to justice.
- Ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively, and manage a high volume of cases.
Nice To Haves
- Experience in landlord-tenant law preferred.
- Proficiency in languages other than English preferred.
Responsibilities
- Manage a full caseload of clients experiencing housing instability, ensuring high-quality legal services.
- Provide legal representation in summary eviction proceedings, administrative hearings, and affirmative litigation.
- Conduct legal research and draft pleadings, motions, memoranda, discovery requests and responses, and letters.
- Negotiate settlements and payment agreements with landlords, property managers, and opposing counsel.
- Prepare clients for hearings, depositions, and trial testimony.
- Handle discovery including document review, requests for production, and interrogatories.
- Pursue emergency relief including temporary restraining orders and orders to show cause when immediate housing loss is threatened.
- Maintain accurate, timely, and complete case records in compliance with LSC regulations, LASMNY policies, and grant reporting requirements.
- Document client interactions, case progress, and outcomes in the case management system.
- Provide holistic legal counseling addressing interconnected legal issues affecting housing stability, including benefits, employment, family law, and consumer issues.
- Assist clients in accessing social services, financial assistance programs, and community resources.
- Assist with intake at courthouses and off-site locations, including during evening hours, to ensure accessibility for clients.
- Deliver training, outreach, and educational programs to individuals, community-based organizations, and housing advocates.
- Conduct “Know Your Rights” presentations specifically focused on tenant rights and responsibilities.
- Participate in coalitions and task forces focused on housing justice.
- Serve as an ambassador for LASMNY, promoting our work within the community.
- Collaborate effectively with partner organizations, pro bono attorneys, and other stakeholders.
- Stay current on developments in landlord-tenant law, housing policy, and eviction prevention strategies.
- Participate in staff meetings and trainings.
- Exhibit a strong commitment to advancing the mission of LASMNY.
Benefits
- LASMNY provides a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement contributions, paid leave, and professional development opportunities.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
Number of Employees
101-250 employees
