Supervising Attorney – Homeownership Preservation Practice

Sandler Search•New York City, NY

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

Mobilization for Justice, Inc. (“MFJ”) is a non-profit legal services organization that provides free civil legal services to low-income New Yorkers. MFJ’s mission is to achieve justice for all. MFJ prioritizes the needs of people who are low-income, disenfranchised, or have disabilities as they struggle to overcome the effects of social injustice and systemic racism. MFJ provides the highest-quality free, direct civil legal assistance, conduct community education and build partnerships, engage in policy advocacy, and bring impact litigation. MFJ also promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workplace, and understands the need to eliminate all racial disparities to achieve justice for all. MFJ has a staff of more than 145 attorneys, paralegals, social workers, and support staff. It is a diverse, unionized, and collegial workplace where staff share the organization’s mission to achieve social justice. MFJ is seeking a Supervising Attorney for its Homeownership Preservation Practice. The Supervising Attorney will report to the Director of Litigation for Economic Justice and oversee a team of five attorneys. The Supervising Attorney will lead a team that provides free legal advice and representation to homeowners and their heirs with regard to homes and co-ops in all five boroughs, in the areas of foreclosure defense, deed theft, predatory lending, property tax disputes, and mortgage servicing issues. In addition, they will work in coalition with advocacy groups on city- and state- policy issues and legislation, provide testimony on homeownership-related issues, and communicate with elected officials and the media.

Requirements

Strong litigation experience, ideally including foreclosure actions, deed theft matters, and state and federal consumer and homeowner protection statutes; excellent legal research, writing, analytical, and case-strategy skills.
A supportive and effective leader with strong teambuilding and mentoring skills who can develop attorneys, provide thoughtful supervision, and foster a collaborative team.
An effective advocate and communicator who can represent MFJ with community partners, government agencies, court officials, and other stakeholders.
Highly organized and able to balance litigation, supervision, advocacy, administrative responsibilities, and broader practice needs.
Deeply committed to public service and MFJ’s mission of achieving justice for all; leads with integrity, respect, humility, and sound judgment.
Admission to the New York State Bar is required.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of mortgage products and loss mitigation options is a plus.

Responsibilities

Oversee attorneys whose work includes client intake, legal research and writing, and all phases of litigation, including settlement conferences, motions, trials, and appeals.
Handle an abbreviated docket of cases, as time permits.
Supervise and mentor attorneys, supporting their professional development and a collaborative team culture.
Collaborate with the management team on training, policies and procedures, contract reporting, and compliance.
Represent MFJ at meetings with coalition members, funders, court officials, government entities, and other key stakeholders.
Work with the Director of Litigation for Economic Justice to identify issues for impact or class action litigation or policy initiatives, including white papers and legislative advocacy campaigns, and supervise effectuation of any such effort.