Description:

A Social Services Organization seeks an experienced housing attorney to join the Tenants' Rights Unit's (TRU) supervisory team. The supervising attorney will join a collaborative and collegial management team which works closely to shape the direction of the unit, strengthen and support its litigation and advocacy, develop trainings, coach and mentor staff, and identify systemic housing issues to advocate for systemic change both in and outside of the courtroom. In New York City, BIPOC communities face disproportionate risk of housing insecurity, as a result of the long-lasting disparate impacts of systemic racism, the COVID-19 pandemic, rising inflation, and other micro and macroeconomic factors, which have profoundly harmed immigrant communities and other communities of color. The ideal candidate will understand how housing justice intersects with racial justice and incorporate a race equity lens in tenant advocacy. The ideal candidate will have some supervisory and/or leadership experience as an attorney (or in another role), extensive experience representing NYC tenants in non-payments, holdovers, and HP Actions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Supervising Attorney's responsibilities will include:
  • Provide strategic leadership and direction as a part of TRU management.
  • Work alongside the TRU-wide supervisory team to identify and respond to programmatic issues, develop and oversee intake protocols and policies, and other responsibilities as needed to ensure we are able to fulfill our Unit's mission and provide an internal workplace in which our staff feel supported and are able to thrive;
  • Supervise a team of attorneys, paralegals, and interns within TRU. Supervision will include: holding regular supervision meetings with staff; reviewing case lists and intakes with staff, developing legal strategies and setting case priorities, reviewing casework in advance of filing, providing support for litigation matters; supervising intake; training and professional development of staff
  • Carry a small caseload at your discretion.
  • Serve as an internal resource to other A Social Services Organization Units on issues related to housing in New York City.
  • Assist with grant management as needed to ensure that program goals and data reporting requirements are met.
  • Conduct outreach to impacted communities and community-based organizations.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with community-based organizations, advocates, government agencies, elected officials, and the courts.
  • Attend meetings with stakeholders, taskforces, courts, partners, funders; and others as needed to further the work of TRU and the needs of the communities we serve, including meetings regarding the implementation of the Right to Counsel and tenants' rights issues in Manhattan and elsewhere in New York City.
  • Conduct internal and external trainings, know-your-rights workshops, and presentations to staff and community members.
  • Participate in internal and external law and policy committees.
  • Identify, support, and assist in advocacy efforts aligned with community needs, including through policy advocacy, testimony, impact litigation, and appeals practices.

Qualifications:
  • Admission to the New York Bar is required.
  • At least four years of legal experience.
  • Experience litigating in New York City Housing Court is preferred, as is experience supervising staff, interns, and /or pro bono volunteers.
  • A demonstrated commitment to public interest law, housing rights, and racial justice.
  • Excellent legal research, writing, and communication skills.