Staff Attorney

Description:

Job Scope: The Staff Attorney will be responsible for working with A Mental Health Service staff, owners, tenants and property managers on Landlord/Tenant related matters, assessing the viability of evictions and participating in the litigation of these matters, drafting pleadings, motions, and discovery for Real Estate litigation matters in Supreme Court, drafting papers for the Appellate Term and Appellate Division and appearing in Court on motions and hearings.

Will primarily handle housing matters such as eviction and HP actions in the housing courts of the boroughs of New York City, lease termination matters, and assisting the company in the above legal matters.

Essential Functions:

• Providing full legal representation in housing court proceedings.
• Represents A Mental Health Service in housing court proceedings, including non-payments, holdovers, and HP actions.
• Represents company in lease termination actions.
• Collaborates with the CEO on housing, public benefits, and family law issues.
• Collaborates with A Mental Health Service staff on housing issues for clients.
• Litigating cases in housing court, administrative forums, appellate courts, and other state and federal courts on eviction.
• Developing expertise in housing court practice, housing programs and subsidies, and public benefits.
• Providing legal advice and counseling to Management as needed.
• Identifying trends and recurring issues for potential impact litigation.
• Litigate cases in housing court, administrative forums, and other state courts on behalf of company.
• Regularly appear in court, persuasively advocate for company, conduct interviews, draft motions, prepare for trial, and negotiate settlements.
• Appearance in civil proceedings.
• Review draft pleadings, motions, and court submissions on behalf of A Mental Health Service.
• Assist A Mental Health Service step-by-step through each phase of the eviction process.
• Provide legal advice through phone consultations, emails, and video conferences.
• Draft legal correspondence, including letters and notices, based on company needs.
• Performs any other department or agency-related duties or special projects as directed by supervisor.

Qualifications:
Education and Experience:

• A J.D. from an accredited law school and be admitted to practice law in the State of New York.
• Minimum of 3 years of litigation experience, including demonstrated expertise in local, state, and federal housing law policy, housing court practice, housing programs and subsidies, and/or public benefits.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills;
• Excellent leadership, analytical, oral, and written communication skills.
• Exceptional time management and organizational skills.
• Strong ties to or understanding of the New York low-income communities.
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Additional language fluency is preferred.

Knowledge:

• Microsoft Office- Word, Excel, Outlook.
• Experience working with diverse low-income communities.

Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to be approachable.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Experience in handling sensitive and confidential information.
• Ability to prioritize and complete work with little supervision and under tight deadlines.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Can work independently and in a team.
• Ability to work in a fast paced environment.
• Ability to think critically.
• Ability to problem solve.
• Ability to work proactively.
• Ability to think strategically.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to teach and train others.
• Ability to effectively manage time.
• Ability to demonstrate sound judgment.
• Ability to manage and minimize agency risk.
• Ability to produce accurate information and reports.
• Ability to appropriately assess and respond to situations.
• Ability to organize and manipulate information and data.
• Ability to demonstrate flexibility, creativity, and initiative.
• Ability to prioritize, handle multiple tasks and shift between responsibilities.
• Ability to communicate- orally and in writing, clearly, concisely, and effectively.
• Ability to work effectively with others and demonstrate conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to act as a professional representative of the agency with regulatory authorities and other external entities.

---