Description:

Summary:
A Non-Profit Organization is an independently funded legal services center within Pace University School of Law, under the 501(c) (3) nonprofit status of Pace University. Founded in 1991, it was the first academic legal center in the country devoted to training attorneys and others on domestic violence issues. The Center's mission is to end abuse by providing innovative legal services including direct legal representation for victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and elder abuse, training, community education and outreach, service coordination, and information and referrals. Today, with a staff of 34 and over 10,000 hours contributed annually by pro-bono attorneys, volunteers, and law students, PWJC provides direct legal assistance to over 3,100 victims and survivors of domestic violence and elder abuse and conducts over 140 training and outreach events each year.

PWJC has an exciting opportunity for a Staff Attorney to work in its Walk-In Legal Clinic. The Clinic is a safe, confidential resource in Westchester County for victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and elder abuse, where they can receive in-depth information and legal advice from attorneys, as well as referrals for other necessary services. The Clinic provides free legal consultations in-person at PWJC's main office, and remotely through secure video chat, whichever is more convenient and comfortable for the client. During legal consultations, the Clinic provides clients with advice and counsel on a myriad of family and matrimonial law issues, as well as referrals to other PWJC programs for ongoing legal representation, and referrals to outside agencies and legal services providers.

This is a unique opportunity to collaborate with the Clinic's Assistant Director, Staff Attorney, and Paralegal in the continued development and expansion of a first of its kind walk-in clinic. The Staff Attorney will assist in all aspects of Clinic work: preparing for consultations, providing legal advice as well as legal and social services referrals, performing legal research, drafting notes following client consultations, reviewing entries in client file and database, handling follow-ups with clients, and acting as liaison with referral agencies on behalf of clients. The Staff Attorney will work closely with the Assistant Director on gathering data for grant reports and will help with grant reporting requirements. Additionally, the Staff Attorney will work closely with and help train pro bono attorneys and law students, who volunteer with the Clinic, and will participate in outreach to the public and training efforts with respect to outside agencies and organizations. The Staff Attorney will work closely with the Clinic Team on the continued growth and development of the Clinic and expansion of services for clients. Towards this end, the Staff Attorney may assist clients with drafting pro se petitions and other documents, and may also appear in court via Microsoft Teams on behalf of any client seeking an emergency order of protection remotely.

This Staff Attorney position is a 4 day/week position, which includes Pace University full-time benefits. It is based at PWJC's main office on the Pace University Elizabeth Haub Law School Campus in White Plains, NY and will require in-person work. Experience working with vulnerable populations is highly desired.

Position Responsibilities:

Assist in day-to-day Clinic operation
Promote the growth and development of Clinic services
Provide legal advice, information, and referrals to Clinic clients
Help train and educate pro bono attorneys, law students, and paralegal working in the Clinic
Oversee pro bono attorneys providing legal advice, information, and referrals to Clinic clients
Supervise, train, and mentor law student volunteers
Work with partnering agencies in Westchester & Putnam Counties to coordinate services
Data entry and case data management responsibilities
Participate in community education, training, and outreach
Draft pro se petitions and other documents for Clinic clients
Appear in Family Court via Microsoft Teams for clients seeking emergency orders of protection
Perform other such duties as assigned from time to time

Qualifications:

Member in good standing of the New York State Bar
3 + years of experience with Family Law practice required
Matrimonial Law experience and knowledge of litigation issues associated with domestic violence cases a plus
Demonstrated commitment to public interest law
Proficiency in Spanish a plus
Excellent interpersonal skills and strong supervisory skills
Outstanding organizational, planning, and time management skills
Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills
Proficient computer skills, specifically in Word, Excel, and Zoom
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and prioritize while working with various clients
Outgoing and professional demeanor for interacting with a wide range of individuals from different cultures and backgrounds.