Description:

Position Overview:
A New York City-Based Non-Profit Organization seeks an attorney to provide legal representation to survivors of domestic and gender based violence in family law matters in Brooklyn. The areas of focus are primarily family offense, custody/visitation, child/spousal support, and divorce. The Staff Attorney will also provide civil legal screenings and legal consultations, assist pro se clients by drafting family law petitions and other filings, assist with pro se clinics, conduct community outreach and education, provide technical assistance to FJC partner agencies, and collaborate with other agencies to advocate for systemic change. The attorney will work out of the NYC Family Justice Center in Brooklyn. The attorney will report to the Senior Program Director and Associate Program Director, Family Law Project at the Brooklyn Family Justice Center.

Responsibilities:

Provides direct representation and advocacy to clients in family law litigation, including family offense, custody and visitation, and child and spousal support.
Maintains a caseload of approximately 20 - 30 active clients per month and approximately 40 – 60 active cases.
Conducts outreach to underserved communities.
Counsel law students, pro bono attorneys, social service providers, health care professionals, and community based organizations on domestic violence and the legal needs of victims.
Represents Sanctuary for Families on task forces and other political and advocacy committees outside the agency.
Provides co-counsel to pro bono attorneys on all aspects of litigation in family law matters.
Collaborates with volunteers, interns and pro bono attorneys; supports training of junior staff members on all aspects of client contact, litigation support, case management, and/or project development.
Facilitates clients' access to intra-agency and outside resources, and administers provision of direct financial assistance and donations to clients.
Attends and participates in interagency conferences and legal/ bar association committee meetings to keep abreast of developments in the areas of pro bono, domestic violence, and legal remedies for victims of domestic violence.
Performs any other department or agency-related duties or special projects as directed by supervisor.

Requirements:

J.D. Degree
Admission to the New York State Bar
Up to 4 years of relevant legal experience
Fluency in a community language other than English is a plus
Strong lawyering, advocacy, and leadership skills
Experience working in the domestic violence field is a plus
Highly motivated to provide zealous, knowledgeable, culturally competent, and empathic legal advocacy to domestic violence survivors
Ability to work well with people from diverse communities and backgrounds