Supervising Staff Attorney-QUEENS, Preserving Affordable Housing Program

Brooklyn Legal Services Corporation A•New York, NY

11d•Hybrid

About The Position

Brooklyn A seeks a Supervising Staff Attorney will be responsible managing a small team of staff attorneys to preserve habitable and affordable housing for low-income tenants who are living in Queens, New York and who are at risk of displacement. Handling their own reduced case load, they will represent tenants in city, state, and federal court proceedings, administrative hearings, and affirmative litigation meant to assist tenants in obtaining repairs and essential services and otherwise assert and secure their rights. They will also conduct workshop and outreach events to further expand tenant rights and empower communities experiencing the pressures of gentrification and development. To be successful in this role, you must have 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 law preferable; and a minimum 3 years’ experience working with clients in the nonprofit sector, low-income communities, community organizations and/or coalitions You should have a passion for social justice and helping and representing clients in low-income tenant groups, community organizations, and coalitions. As a valued team member, you will have a client-based focus and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

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 law preferable
A minimum 3 years’ experience working with clients in the nonprofit sector, low-income communities, community organizations and/or coalitions
Passion for social justice and helping and representing clients in low-income tenant groups, community organizations, and coalitions
Client-based focus and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
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, bi-lingual Spanish preferred
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
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

Responsibilities

Managing a small team of staff attorneys to preserve habitable and affordable housing for low-income tenants who are living in Queens, New York and who are at risk of displacement.
Handling their own reduced case load
Represent tenants in city, state, and federal court proceedings, administrative hearings, and affirmative litigation meant to assist tenants in obtaining repairs and essential services and otherwise assert and secure their rights.
Conduct workshop and outreach events to further expand tenant rights and empower communities experiencing the pressures of gentrification and development.
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
Maintain up-to-date client information in an internal case management system to ensure accurate data collection and statistical tracking