Staff Attorney, Family Law Unit (Hybrid)

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 Family Law Unit who is committed to the Center's mission and work. The attorney will provide comprehensive, holistic, direct civil legal services to victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and/or stalking. This attorney will focus on providing representation to clients in Family and Supreme Court in both Westchester and Putnam Counties. The attorney will provide direct legal representation  and advocacy on  protection orders, custody, visitation, child and spousal support and matrimonial cases. 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. 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 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 direct representation, advice and consultation on family and matrimonial matters.
• Litigation in state courts (primarily Family and Supreme).
• Working with partnering agencies in Westchester County.
• Participation in community education, training and outreach.
• Collaboration with Center staff attorneys on litigation matters and strategies.
• Maintain records, statistics and data, along with funding requirements as needed.
• Travel is required throughout Westchester County and to Putnam County.
• 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 two years experience, including litigation, or its equivalent in Matrimonial and/or Family Law practice preferred.
• Experience with and/or knowledge of litigation issues associated with domestic violence cases preferred.
• Spanish language proficiency 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 handle 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 different 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 County and to Putnam County.

Summary

About the Institution
Ranked in the top 9% of private US colleges that provide the best return on tuition investment, Pace University transforms the lives of its diverse students—academically, professionally, and socioeconomically. Currently, the University enrolls more than 13,000 students in more than 150 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs. Pace University is at the forefront of creating opportunity. Through the convergence of strong academics, experiential learning, and dedicated advising, Pace University empowers its students and positively impacts its communities.

Benefits offered:
Pace University provides a competitive benefit program designed to offer the following:

• Medical, vision and dental insurance for preventive care or diagnostic and surgical procedures as well as an incentivized medical plan waiver option for those who choose not to participate (FT Employees).
• Income protection in the event an employee is not actively at work, due to illness (FT Employees).
• 403B investment opportunity to save toward financial security in retirement (PT and FT Employees).
• Programs and services that assist in balancing work and personal life (PT and FT Employees).
• Educational opportunities for the employee and eligible members of their family to pursue a degree at Pace or another higher education institution (PT and FT Employees).
• Opportunity for faculty and staff to participate in Pace's award-winning health and wellness program, Pace Yourself to Wellness, which is designed to inspire employees to engage in healthy habits while optimizing health care resources (PT and FT Employees).
• Discount purchase plans for everything from entertainment, shopping and travel (PT and FT Employees).

AA/EEO Statement
Pace University is committed to achieving full equal opportunity in all aspects of University life. Pursuant to this commitment, the University does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived sex, gender or gender identity; race; color; national origin; religion; creed; age; disability; citizenship; marital or domestic partnership status; sexual orientation or affectional status; genetic predisposition or carrier status; military or veteran status; status as a victim of domestic violence, sex offenses or stalking; or any other characteristic protected by law federal, state or local law, rule or regulation.

Annual Security Report Notice
Pace is committed to ensuring the safety and security of the students, faculty, staff and visitors to the University. In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the University's Safety and Security department publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, which can be accessed here. The report contains information on security policies as well as crime and fire statistics for the University.

Additional Information:
Compensation Type Salary