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 Manhattan. 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 Manhattan. The attorney will report to the Senior Program Director and Legal Project Director of the Family Law Project at the Manhattan FJC.

Responsibilities:

Provides direct representation and advocacy to clients in family law litigation, including family offense, custody and visitation, child and spousal support and divorces. Provides other advocacy as needed, including the criminal legal and child protective systems.
Provides pro se legal assistance and consultations to clients regarding family law matters.
Maintains a caseload of approximately 20 - 30 active clients per month and approximately 40 – 60 active cases.
Collaborates with volunteers, interns and pro bono attorneys; supports training of junior staff members.
Facilitates clients' access to intra-agency and outside resources, and administers provision of direct financial assistance and donations to clients.
Provides technical assistance to FJC partner agencies.
Conducts community outreach, training and education.
Actively engages in advocacy committees and task forces, and collaborates with other agencies to advocate for systemic change.
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 * will consider a stellar Law Grad who has passed the NYS Bar exam
1- 4 years of relevant legal experience
Strong lawyering, advocacy, and leadership skills
Experience working in the domestic violence field preferred
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
Fluency in a community language other than English is a plus