Staff Attorney, Elder Justice

The Pace Women's Justice Center (PWJC) 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 32 and over 10,000 hours contributed annually by pro-bono attorneys, volunteers, and law students, PWJC provides direct legal assistance to over 3,000 victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and elder abuse and conducts over 100 training and outreach events each year.

PWJC is seeking a full-time litigation staff attorney for its Elder Justice Unit who is committed to the Center's mission to work. The attorney will work closely with the current staff member in the Elder Justice Unit as well as with all the other attorneys at the Center to provide comprehensive, holistic direct civil legal services to Westchester and Putnam County residents, 60 and older, who have been victims of abuse. The attorney focus will be on representing clients in the various Courts in Westchester and Putnam Counties. The attorney will provide direct representation and advocacy on protection orders, spousal support, and matrimonial cases as well as providing assistance with housing matters, consumer problems, long-term care issues, and other services that may be necessary. The range of legal services provided runs the spectrum from legal information, referrals, advice, brief services, advocacy, and negotiation to full representation in litigated court matters and appeals. This attorney will also work closely with and make referrals to community partners for social services and will also participate in community-based outreach and training in both Westchester and Putnam County. This position is based in PWJC's main office in White Plains, NY, and has flexibility for hybrid work schedule with three days working in the main  office or at PWJC  other sites, and two days working from home; flexibility is required to meet on-site demands and court scheduling throughout the week.

Position Duties:

• Primary responsibilities include providing civil legal services to Westchester and Putnam County residents, ages 60 and older, who have been victims of elder abuse.
• Litigation in State Family and supreme courts.
• Working with partnering agencies in both Westchester and Putnam Counties for referrals.
• Organize and implement training sessions, presentations, and/or workshops for service providers and community groups on the topic of elder abuse.
• Conduct outreach and promote the Center's Elder Abuse Legal Services Program.
• Collaborate with Center staff attorneys on litigation matters and strategies.
• Participate in coalition and community group meetings as a representative of the Center and its Elder Abuse Legal Services Program.
• Maintain monthly grant statistics, and data for grant requirements as needed.
• Prepare all grant reports and is responsible for submission.
• Performs other such duties as may be assigned from time to time.    

Position Qualifications:

• Member in good standing of the New York State Bar.
• Minimum of three years of legal experience, including litigation.
• Experience in the field of domestic violence and civil legal services, specifically working with clients 60 and over will be helpful, but is not required.
• Experience in the field of Elder Abuse Law and Elder Law a plus.
• Knowledge and understanding of intimate partner violence and trauma.
• Ability to work with clients in a sensitive and trauma-informed manner.
• Excellent litigation, oral advocacy and writing skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Creative thinker with excellent organizational and time management skills, ability to manage multiple assignments, assess priorities, and take initiative.
• Proficient computer skills, specifically in Word and Excel.
• Outgoing and professional demeanor for interacting with a wide range of individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team is comfortable with public speaking and has a passion for helping to build partnerships and community.
• Must have own transportation and be able to travel within Westchester and Putnam Counties.

Work Hours:
Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., with additional hours as needed. Travel is required throughout Westchester and Putnam County.

Summary