Supervising Staff Attorney, PAH-Brooklyn

Brooklyn Legal Services Corporation A•New York, NY

6d•$101,000 - $120,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Build Up Justice NYC (BUJNYC) is seeking a Supervising Staff Attorney to manage a small team of staff attorneys focused on preserving habitable and affordable housing for low-income tenants in Brooklyn, New York, who are at risk of displacement. The role involves handling a reduced caseload, representing tenants in various legal proceedings (city, state, and federal court, administrative hearings, affirmative litigation), and conducting workshops and outreach events to empower tenants and communities facing gentrification and development pressures. BUJNYC has been providing free legal services since 1968, utilizing a range of legal and advocacy strategies to defend the rights of individuals and families.

Requirements

Admission to the bar of the State of New York
A minimum 3 years post-law school experience working in New York State civil, Federal, or other relevant public interest litigation; housing/tenant law experience required
Minimum 3 years’ experience working with clients in the nonprofit sector, low-income communities, community organizations and/or coalitions.
Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to effectively communicate with individuals from diverse backgrounds, local organizations and people in desperate crisis.
Demonstrated ability to interact with clients of different races, ethnicities, ages, and sexual orientations in a multicultural environment and a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
Ability to read, analyze and interpret legal documents, technical procedures, rules or regulations, statues and caselaw.
Ability to write clearly and informatively with minimal error legal memorandum, briefs, motions, contracts, correspondence, and other legal documentation and ability to vary writing style to meet specific needs.
Excellent advocacy skills in English
Ability to work independently with strong motivation to manage a moderate case load, track case data, meet deadlines, and to be flexible.
Computer proficiency sufficient to independently review and generate legal briefs/writings.
Ability to maintain up-to-date client information in an internal case management system to ensure accurate data collection and statistical tracking.
Collaborate with program director and development team to write narrative reports for grant and contracts.
Attend meetings and perform administrative tasks related to the work, such as timekeeping and case notes.
Basic knowledge of New York City and State housing laws and rules.
Thorough commitment to Build Up Justice NYC’s mission.

Nice To Haves

Experience supervising attorneys and paralegals, a plus
bi-lingual Spanish preferred

Responsibilities

Coach and supervise the legal work of PAHB staff attorneys and assist attorneys with resolving representation strategies and professional responsibility obligations.
Provide training and mentorship to staff members, and provide technical expertise and knowledge of best practices.
Ensure their teams case notes, filings, court attendance tracking are up to date and accurate as per established policies.
Perform client intake and screening, investigate and develop litigation strategies, and provide advice, counsel, advocacy and brief services to tenants in housing court, clinical programs and community events.
Represent tenants in summary eviction proceedings, as well as HP and Article 7-A proceedings based on conditions and/or harassment.
Use technical knowledge and experience, 2nd seat/co-chair/partner with staff attorneys on challenging and complex cases.
Conduct legal research and keep current on relevant emerging caselaw and statutory developments.
Prepare and draft legal documents, pleadings, motions briefs and appeals.
Conduct discovery and depositions, and communicate with clients, negotiate with opposing counsels, and advocate with outside agencies on behalf of clients.
Collaborate with colleagues, stakeholders, and program partners on challenging and complex cases.
Draft and update programmatic, educational, and resource materials for clients and outreach events, as requested.
Conduct trainings for community-based organizations and coalitions including, but not be limited to, Know-Your-Rights housing workshops, clinics, and other educational outreach activities to empower tenants and communities.
Attend client meetings and participate in community outreach efforts promoting program services which may occur during evening and weekends as necessary.
Present to community groups and represent Build Up Justice NYC to external stakeholders.
Maintain data in an internal case management system, and assist with gathering data for grant reporting.
As an emerging team leader, provide feedback and mentorship to staff attorneys and ability to represent the team.
Other duties as assigned.